CeramTec North America as a Key Supplier to the ITER Project
At CeramTec, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with advanced ceramics is what drives us - and our contribution to the ITER project is a prime example of that commitment in action.
ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is one of the largest and most complex scientific endeavors ever undertaken. Bringing together seven global partners - China, the European Union, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and the United States - the project aims to demonstrate the viability of fusion energy as a safe, clean, and virtually limitless source of power.
Our Role: Sole Developer and Supplier of Critical Feedthrough Components
CeramTec North America's involvement with ITER dates back to 2014, when we were selected as the sole developer and supplier of specialized vacuum feedthrough and plug assemblies. These components are essential for providing power and control system connectivity within the reactor.
Leveraging our deep expertise in ceramic-to-metal sealing technology, we engineered high-voltage, ultra-high-vacuum feedthroughs that meet the extraordinary performance demands of a fusion environment. Built with high-purity alumina insulators and proprietary metallization and brazing processes, these components deliver exceptional hermeticity and long-term reliability.
To date, CeramTec North America has:
- Developed three distinct component types for the ITER project
- Manufactured and delivered more than 1,030 feedthroughs
- Equipped the superconducting magnet system's quench detection chains, enabling electrical measurement signals to pass through the cryostat wall
About the ITER Tokamak
At the heart of ITER lies a doughnut-shaped vacuum chamber - the tokamak - where hydrogen isotopes (primarily deuterium and tritium) are heated to extreme temperatures to create plasma. Powerful magnetic coils confine and control the plasma, replicating the energy process that powers the sun. The heat generated can ultimately be converted into electricity through conventional steam turbines and generators.
Looking Ahead
With research operations planned to begin in 2034 and full deuterium-tritium operations targeted for 2039, the ITER project is steadily advancing toward its historic goals. CeramTec North America remains proud to be part of this journey - and committed to supplying the high-performance components that help make it possible.
Our involvement in ITER reflects not only our engineering capabilities, but our broader mission: to develop advanced ceramic solutions that address the most critical technological challenges of our time.