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- The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a collaborative effort to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power, continues to face delays and cost overruns, but...
- ITER is a large-scale scientific experiment intended to prove the viability of fusion as a large source of low-carbon energy.
- the ITER Institution, based in Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France, is responsible for the construction and operation of the facility.
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The Status of the ITER Project as of January 23, 2026
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The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, a collaborative effort to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power, continues to face delays and cost overruns, but construction is ongoing as of January 23, 2026.While initial expectations for first plasma have shifted, significant progress has been made in manufacturing and delivering key components.
What is ITER?
ITER is a large-scale scientific experiment intended to prove the viability of fusion as a large source of low-carbon energy. The project involves a partnership between 35 nations, including the European Union, the United States, China, Russia, Japan, India, and South Korea.The goal is to produce 500 MW of fusion power from 50 MW of input heating power, demonstrating a tenfold energy gain.
the ITER Institution, based in Saint-Paul-lez-Durance, France, is responsible for the construction and operation of the facility. ITER Organization Official Website
Current Construction Status (January 2026)
As of January 23, 2026, the ITER project is in the assembly phase. Major components are being installed, but the timeline for achieving first plasma has been revised. the latest official estimate, released in December 2025, projects first plasma in 2035. ITER Council Approves New Project Baseline (December 19, 2025)
- Tokamak Assembly: Assembly of the tokamak, the heart of the fusion reactor, is underway.Key components like the vacuum vessel sectors and toroidal field coils are being integrated.
- Cryostat Installation: The cryostat, which will house the vacuum vessel and superconducting magnets, is largely complete.
- Divertor Manufacturing: Manufacturing of the divertor, a critical component for removing heat and impurities from the plasma, is ongoing.
Cost Overruns and Delays
The ITER project has experienced significant cost increases and schedule delays as its inception. Originally estimated to cost around $5 billion, the project’s current estimated cost is over $22 billion (USD). ITER Project Assessment Report (U.S. department of Energy, August 2022). These increases are attributed to factors such as design changes, manufacturing challenges, and supply chain disruptions.
The initial target for first plasma was 2020, but this has been repeatedly pushed back.The latest schedule, approved by the ITER council in December 2025, sets a new target of 2035. this delay is primarily due to complexities in manufacturing and assembling the large and intricate components.
International Collaboration and Funding
ITER is funded and operated through a unique international collaboration. Contributions are based on a formula that considers each member’s gross domestic product. the European Union is the largest contributor, providing approximately 45% of the project’s budget. ITER: The world’s largest fusion experiment (European Parliament, September 2021)
Other major contributors include the United States (approximately 24%), China (approximately 9%), Japan (approximately 9