THE project may be all about fusion, but the six countries that have committed to ITER 鈥� the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor 鈥� are deeply split. A decision over whether Japan or France is to be home to the world鈥檚 biggest ever nuclear fusion facility has left participants divided along political lines.
The choice was meant to be made in December. But the US and South Korea gave their support to Rokkashomura, a small seaside town in Japan, while Russia and China backed Europe鈥檚 choice of Cadarache in the south of France. Political loyalties rather than scientific concerns may be dictating the decision, worries Ronald Parker, a former deputy director of ITER now at MIT. 鈥淣o scientists are being consulted,鈥� he told 快猫短视频.
What鈥檚 more, the French prime minister, Jean-Pierre Raffarin, suggested last week that Europe might go it alone if Cadarache loses out. 鈥淲e have to have ITER, even if we do it ourselves,鈥� he said. However, a spokeswoman for the French Ministry of Research insists that all parties are still working towards a 鈥渨in-win solution鈥�.
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