Evolution of the ITER project during the CTA

Although the ITER Design in July 2001 was sufficiently detailed for the ITER Parties to begin negotiations on ITER construction, further preparations have been necessary so that construction can start on time should the Parties agree terms. These preparations—Coordinated Technical Activities (CTA)—have been going on since July 2001. Their aim has been to review the design for completeness and consistency, modifying it where necessary, to prepare the specifications for long lead-time items and ensure sufficient detail is understood of the design of systems significantly affected by them, to prepare for licensing by undertaking safety-relevant design assessments and by maintaining design continuity, and to exploit new physics R&D or manufacturing studies. In addition, they technically underpin the site negotiations, examining the impact of design adaptations necessary or beneficial at a particular site. The opportunity has also been taken to investigate, and prepare to put in place, systems and work procedures which will be essential once construction starts. This paper gives the status of these technical preparations for construction, and highlights where design changes have been necessary. The paper also describes an understanding of the approach to be used for procurement, and the resulting project organisation.