An ambitious international nuclear fusion project, involving over 30 countries, has achieved a crucial milestone: the completion and start of assembly of the world's most powerful magnet. This magnet is a vital component for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) in southern France, a collaborative effort backed by the United States, China, Japan, Russia, and the European Union, aiming to generate clean energy by fusing atoms at extremely high temperatures. 🔥⚡

ITER announced late Wednesday that the final part of the magnetic system, the central solenoid, has been completed and successfully tested by the United States, paving the way for assembly. The magnetic system is designed to create an "invisible cage" to contain super-hot plasma particles during the fusion process. 🔒🌀

ITER's director general, Pietro Barabaschi, likened the magnet to "the bottle in a bottle of wine," emphasizing its essential role in containing the fusion reaction. 🍷🧪

The magnet's completion was originally slated for 2021 but faced significant delays. Charles Seife, a professor at New York University, noted that being "behind schedule by four years after 10 years of effort shows just how troubled this project is." ⏳📉

However, Barabaschi stated that the "crisis" is now over, and construction is proceeding at its fastest pace ever. The project's start-up phase, during which it is scheduled to begin generating plasma, is now targeted for 2033. He also highlighted ITER as a testament to international cooperation despite geopolitical tensions. 🤝🌐

Investment in fusion energy is on the rise, with numerous initiatives underway, including private start-ups claiming the potential to build commercial fusion reactors within a decade. Barabaschi expressed skepticism about these timelines but voiced support for the diverse ventures. He affirmed that achieving fusion is known, but the key question is whether it can be achieved cost-effectively, suggesting this will likely take more than one or two decades. 💰🔬

Key Data: 📊

Number of countries involved in ITER: Over 30 🌍
Original completion target for the central solenoid: 2021 📆
Current target for the start-up phase (generating plasma): 2033 🚀

Reported by FazTimes Media. 📰

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