Luvata has received a $26 million nuclear fusion contract from the US Department of Energy (DOE) to supply materials for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project, which is being constructed at Cadarache, Southern France. Luvata will be responsible for supplying over the next two years 86% of the US commitment for superconductive wire and copper wire needed to complete the massive and scientifically significant ITER project.
The contract follows a similar project win for Luvata to supply chromium-plated copper strands to Fusion for Energy, the European partner in the ITER project. Luvata has also supplied superconductors for the KSTAR experimental nuclear fusion reactor in South Korea.
Each contract involves tailor-made superconductor to provide virtually zero resistance and flawless conductivity, requiring a bespoke alloy mix and ultra high tolerance manufacturing to ensure it meets the technical requirements of each project.
Jim Lajewski, president from Luvata Waterbury commented: “We are delighted to be playing such a significant role in this ground breaking project and to be working so closely with such exceptional organizations”.
The US contribution to ITER is a Department of Energy Office of Science project consisting of procurement of hardware (including supporting R&D and design); assignment of personnel (US engineers and scientists) to the ITER site; and cash contributions for the US share of common expenses such as personnel infrastructure, assembly and installation.
