The Broader Approach - European Commission
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The Broader Approach

The Broader Approach is an agreement between the EU and Japan covering cooperation on 3 fusion-related projects in Japan, aiming at complementing ITER and accelerating the development of fusion power. 

The Broader Approach agreement was signed in 2007 and refers to nuclear fusion research collaboration between the EU and Japan.

The agreement introduced a framework for the achievement of ‘broader approach activities’ in the field of fusion energy, following on from the international ITER project, in southern France.    

Activities

The Broader Approach activities refer to 3 research projects and facilities, set up and developed in Japan, for the benefit of both parties.

  • The JT-60SA Reactor, Naka

    Since its start of operation in October 2023, JT-60SA is the largest and most advanced tokamak in the world, about half the size of ITER. JT-60SA will allow for an understanding of how plasmas can be confined under high pressure over long periods of time, essential knowledge for future fusion energy reactors. Video about JT-60SA

  • The International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility, Aomori

    Future fusion powerplants will need materials that are resilient enough to maintain their mechanical properties while withstanding the radiation conditions inside a fusion reactor. IFMIF is a projected materials test facility in which candidate materials for the use in an energy producing fusion reactor can be fully qualified.

  • The International Fusion Energy Research Centre, Rokkasho

    IFERC houses a number of projects to support ITER and DEMO. The work includes the construction of a remote operation room from which ITER operational data can be analysed in real-time, and a centre that coordinates scientific and technological activities for the development of DEMO, with a state-of-the-art supercomputer.

DEMO is a demonstration power plant, which will be ITER’s successor. Laying the foundation for DEMO is the objective of the EUROfusion Fusion Technology Programme.

A TOKAMAK – the acronym for a Toroidal Chamber with Magnetic Coils - is a is a type of nuclear fusion reactor designed to confine and control a hot plasma. It has a ‘doughnut-like’ shape, essential for creating a stable magnetic field.

How does the EU contribute?

In the initial phase, most of the European contribution came in the form of components and services provided by Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Switzerland. These countries provided about 80% of the European contribution, while the other 20% came directly by Euratom through the EU Fusion for Energy agency. 

In the second phase of the project, EUROfusion – the European Consortium for Development of Fusion Energy - is a main contributor, supporting and funding fusion research activities on behalf of Euratom.

Who is implementing the work?

There are 2 implementing Agencies which are responsible for managing the EU and Japan’s contributions to the Broader Approach