Dr. Maciej Korecki, SECO/WARWICK vice president, attended an event at General Atomics’ Magnet Technologies Center in Poway, Calif., to celebrate reaching the first milestone in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Central Solenoid project. The ITER Central Solenoid is a 1,000-ton superconducting electromagnet designed to initiate and drive hot plasma for fusion energy.

SECO/WARWICK supplied a specialized vacuum furnace that will ultimately heat treat magnet coils for five weeks at 1300°F. This is only one step in an otherwise complex manufacturing process, but it is critical in the success of the program. The furnace is currently in the commissioning process in preparation for the finished coils. 

According to the Times of San Diego, “The magnet coils will form the central part of the ITER, a joint project of the U.S., the European Union, China, Japan, India, South Korea and Russia. The $20 billion reactor is being built in France and is expected to begin operation in 2026.”

If you're interested in learning more about ITER, watch this video tour of General Atomics facility.