Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom will receive an additional RUB2.7bn ($42.3m) from the state budget in 2017 to contribute to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (Iter) project under construction in Cadarache France. Ria Novosti said RUB1.13bn will be given to Iter as a cash contribution, and RUB1.57bn will be in the form of manufactured equipment. The increase means Russia will keep its overall contribution to the Iter project at 9.09% of total contributions in 2017, according to a statement by Russia’s parliament. Seven parties contribute to Iter’s funding: Russia, the EU, the US, China, India, Japan and South Korea. According to Iter’s last available financial report, Russia contributed slightly more than RUB15bn in 2015, both in cash and in kind, equivalent to 9.97% of the total.
Countries from the Euratom treaty – the 28 EU member states – have committed to providing 45% of the project’s financing, while Russia, China, India, Japan, the US and South Korea provide an equal share of 9.09%. In 2015, the Euratom share was 40%, while Japan and South Korea provided 15% and 10.3% respectively. India and the USA underperformed in 2015, while China and Russia paid slightly above the agreed amount. The total cost of the Iter project has been estimated at €15bn (about $16bn). Iter will be the world's largest experimental fusion facility and is designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion, the process which powers the sun and the stars. Fusion research is aimed at developing a safe, limitless and environmentally responsible energy source.
