The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Project is an international energy research effort whose purpose is to demonstrate for the first time the technological feasibility of fusion energy as a source of electric power. ITER means "the way" in Latin.
ITER is an outgrowth of discussions at the Presidential levels among the European Community, Japan, Soviet Union and United States between 1985 and 1986. [The Soviet Union's commitment is now being honored by the Russian Federation]. In 1987 representatives of the four Parties' major fusion programs developed a detailed plan for ITER and it became the largest international scientific joint venture ever formed.
Nuclear fusion is likely to be the world's best solution for a long-term energy source. It is an attractive option because its fuel is virtually inexhaustible and the safety and environmental aspects should cause little public concern.
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Engineering Design Activity has three Joint Work sites, the Garching Joint Work Site, located at Garching near Munich Germany, the Naka Joint Work Site, located in Japan, and the San Diego Joint Work Site located in California, USA.