The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a multinational project being developed in France, has completed the world's largest and most powerful pulsed superconducting magnet system, a critical step in the quest for nuclear fusion energy.

On April 30, ITER announced that the final component, the sixth central solenoid module, has been manufactured and tested in the U.S. and is now ready to be transported to France for assembly.

This magnet system, which serves as the "electromagnetic heart" of ITER's Tokamak reactor, consists of a central solenoid and six poloidal field coils. Once assembled, the system will weigh nearly 3,000 tonnes and produce magnetic fields strong enough to lift an aircraft carrier. These powerful magnets will stabilize the plasma inside the Tokamak, where fusion reactions will take place, marking a major step toward demonstrating nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source.

This is the product of collaboration between 35 entities. China, the EU, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, India and Russia are all part of this collaboration. It represents one of the largest and most complex international scientific endeavors in history.

Since its inception in 1985, the project has brought together thousands of scientists and engineers from across three continents and hundreds of factories.

Overall, the goal is to replicate the sun's energy generation process by fusing hydrogen isotopes into helium, producing vast energy without the radioactive waste associated with nuclear fission.

Beyond its technical achievements, ITER showcases the power of global cooperation in the face of geopolitical challenges.

ITER director general Pietro Barabaschi said, "ITER represents what nations can achieve when they work together, transcending geopolitical differences." The project has continued to advance, despite obstacles, providing a blueprint for international scientific collaboration.

ITER's success hinges on the commercialization of fusion energy, which remains a distant yet promising goal. The rise of private sector investment in fusion technology over the past few years has accelerated the progress. In 2024, ITER began partnerships with private companies to fast-track fusion energy development. However, commercialization predictions remain uncertain, with timelines ranging from 2028 to 2040, depending on technological breakthroughs.

While the path to a fusion-powered future remains challenging, ITER continues to lead the charge. Its success could reshape the global energy landscape, offering a clean, virtually limitless source of power that will help address the growing climate crisis.