The Broader Approach is a 2007 agreement between the EU and Japan to advance fusion energy research. It supports 3 key projects in Japan, complementing the ITER project in southern France and accelerating the development of fusion power.
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, NakaSince 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.
The International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility, AomoriFuture fusion powerplants will need materials that are resilient enough to maintain their mechanical properties while withstanding the radiation conditions inside a fusion reactor. The facility 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, RokkashoThe research centre 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. In April 2026, following its latest upgrade, the Linear IFMIF Prototype Accelerator (LIPAc) reached its full configuration and is entering a new testing phase aimed at achieving higher performance levels in preparation of the DONES project.
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.
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.
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
Fusion for Energy is the EU organisation managing Europe’s contribution to ITER. It was established in 2007 for a period of 35 years and is its headquarters are in Barcelona.
Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology for Japan was established in 2016 and is committed to advancing quantum science and technology and creating world-leading research and development platforms.
Related links
- News: Europe and Japan upgrade JT-60SA with new components - Fusion for Energy (28/1/2025)
- JT-60SA and a video presenting the reactor JT-60SA – a step closer to fusion energy
- IFMIF/EVEDA – Design validation for the future Fusion Neutron Source
- International Fusion Energy Research Center
- Fusion for Energy
- National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology
- Brochure: Broader Approach – Cutting-edge fusion energy research activities (January 2022)