MAN Diesel & Turbo has secured a contract from Walter Tosto to supply essential parts for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in France.
The ITER project, which is being built in Cadarache, intends to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion as a future energy source.
MAN Diesel, which has secured third sub-project for the multinational experimental set-up, will install 13 Port Stubs in ITER’s vacuum vessel that are fabricated for the Italian firm Walter Tosto.
The vessel will include fusion reactions and serves as a first safety containment barrier, while the Port Stubs are connecting element between the vacuum vessel and the ports.
Port Stubs will offer access for remote handling operations, as well as other installations as diagnostics, heating, and vacuum systems.
The ITER project is funded and operates by seven member entities, including Japan, the European Union, the US, Russia, China, South Korea and India.
In southern France, 35 nations are partnering to construct the world's largest tokamak, which is a magnetic fusion device designed to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy based on the same principle that powers sun and stars.
In 2012, MAN had secured first ITER order to deliver 18 Upper Ports to Russian JSC NIIEFA, while second ITER order from Indian firm Larsen & Toubro that manufactures critical Cryostat.
MAN Diesel & Turbo CEO Dr Uwe Lauber said: “We are helping to bring the source of the sun’s energy down to earth – our experts participate in the construction of a fusion reactor which may soon demonstrate power can be generated in the same way the sun does it.
“MAN continues to contribute to the development of leading-edge technologies with its high-tech equipment and enormous technical knowledge.”
Image: MAN Diesel & Turbo wins contract to supply essential parts for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project. Photo: courtesy of MAN Diesel & Turbo.