Operation of JET as a user facility

Since the beginning of 2000, the Joint European Torus (JET) has been operated under the European fusion development agreement (EFDA) as a user facility. The UKAEA as ‘operator’ maintains and operates the facility and installs enhancements on behalf of EFDA under contract to the European Commission. The experimental programme is proposed and implemented by the ‘users’, scientists and engineers on secondment from the European fusion laboratories, which also supply equipment for enhancement of the facility. The overall programme is co-ordinated by the close support unit (CSU). During the five experimental campaigns to date, the historical rate of successful pulsing has been largely maintained. One major shutdown has been completed with substantial in-vessel and ex-vessel tasks, and various small enhancements have been installed. The first major enhancement is imminent. The UKAEA is independently responsible for safety and the environmental impact of the project. This paper reviews the requirements and procedures for control of the interface between the operator, the CSU and users, presents performance measures for key aspects, and summarises the experience of the UKAEA in the operation of JET.