The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project is a first-of-a-kind global collaboration in the field of energy. It is designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion power. The Tokamak is a device that uses a magnetic field to confine plasma in the shape of torus.
Vinci subsidiaries Vinci Construction Grands Projets, Dodin Campenon Bernard and Vinci Construction France have a 58.3% share of the project with Ferrovial Agroman responsible for 30% and Razel-Bec for 11.7%. The contract was signed with Fusion for Energy (F4E), the European Union’s organisation responsible for Europe’s contribution to ITER.
The team will build the Tokamak complex and design and build nine auxiliary buildings at Cadarache, north of Aix-en-Provence. The contract is worth about €300 million (£245m) and is expected to run for five and a half years.
Design studies will begin in April and the main civil engineering works in autumn 2013.
The main building will house the Tokamak reactor, a 28m-diameter cylinder, 29m high and weighing 23,000t. With the two adjacent annexes, this will form a concrete structure 120m long, 80m wide and 80m high.
The other auxiliary buildings comprise the assembly building, a two-storey control building and miscellaneous industrial buildings. The contract also provides for several anti-radiation, highly pressure-resistant nuclear doors measuring 4m by 4m and weighing 40t. They are to be designed and built by a consortium comprising Vinci Energies subsidiary Cegelec and Sommer.
The fusion research is aimed at developing a safe, limitless and environmentally responsible energy source. Europe will contribute almost half of the costs of its construction, while the other six members of the joint international venture - China, Japan, India, the Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation and the USA - will contribute equally to the rest.
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