EU–Japan Collaboration for Fusion Development
The Broader Approach (BA) is a strategic collaboration between Europe and Japan supporting the development of fusion energy and complementing the ITER program.
The agreement was established to accelerate key technologies required for future fusion power plants and to strengthen scientific and industrial cooperation between the European Union and Japan.
The Broader Approach focuses on three main activities:
- Development of advanced tokamak research facilities
- Demonstration of fusion materials testing technologies
- High-performance computing and fusion research support
These activities support ITER operation and help prepare the technological basis for future fusion demonstration power plants.
For further information on Broader Approach, use link below:
JT-60SA - Advanced Superconducting Tokamak
JT-60SA is a large superconducting tokamak located in Naka, Japan and jointly operated by Europe and Japan. It is one of the most advanced magnetic confinement devices currently in operation.
JT-60SA supports the international fusion program by:
- Developing advanced plasma scenarios relevant for ITER
- Studying steady-state tokamak operation
- Testing plasma control strategies for future power plants
- Training the next generation of fusion scientists and engineers
European industry contributed important components to the construction of JT-60SA, coordinated through Fusion for Energy (F4E).
Further information:
IFMIF-EVEDA - Technology Development for Fusion Materials Testing
The IFMIF-EVEDA (Engineering Validation and Engineering Design Activities) program develops key technologies for testing materials under fusion-relevant neutron conditions.
A central component is the Linear IFMIF Prototype Accelerator (LIPAc) located in Rokkasho, Japan. LIPAc demonstrates high-current accelerator technologies that will ultimately be used to produce fusion-relevant neutron fluxes for materials testing.
The technologies developed in IFMIF-EVEDA form the technical basis for the IFMIF-DONES materials testing facility currently under construction in Spain.
Further information:
IFERC - International Fusion Energy Research Centre
The International Fusion Energy Research Centre (IFERC) is the third pillar of the Broader Approach program and is also located in Rokkasho, Japan.
IFERC supports fusion development through:
- High-performance computing resources for fusion simulations
- Data analysis and modeling for ITER and future reactors
- International research collaboration between Europe and Japan
The facility provides advanced computational infrastructure that supports fusion research activities worldwide.
Further information: