Durham University scientists have completed a major quality verification programme on superconducting materials crucial for the ITER fusion energy project, as detailed in their findings published in Superconductor Science and Technology.

ITER, currently under construction in southern France, aims to demonstrate fusion energy—an almost limitless, clean power source—by confining plasma at temperatures exceeding those of the sun’s core, relying heavily on advanced superconducting wires.

Led by Professor Damian Hampshire and Dr Mark Raine, the Durham team was appointed in 2011 to develop testing methods for the superconducting wires made from Nb3Sn and Nb–Ti.

Over the project, they processed more than 5,500 wire samples and conducted around 13,000 measurements, with a focus on statistical analysis of their extensive dataset.

Their work demonstrated that when repeated measurements of the same strand aren’t possible, measuring adjacent strands in different labs can serve as a reliable substitute, enhancing accuracy and manufacturing consistency.

Professor Hampshire, who led the work said: "The UK leads the world in the manufacture of MRI body scanners using superconducting magnets. The question is can we help lead the world with the commercialisation of Fusion Power generation using superconducting magnets?"

The findings arrive amid increasing momentum for fusion energy, with ITER targeting its first plasma in 2035, while private companies aim for commercial reactors sooner.

The UK government has invested £2.5 billion ($3 billion) in fusion research and is developing its own prototype plant, STEP.

The success of ITER’s magnets and the overall project hinges on the quality of the superconducting strands verified by Durham, which also supports future advancements in fusion technology and education through its Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Power.