Michel Claessens

@M_Claessens

Scientist and/or journalist • ITER Fellow • Author "ITER, The Giant Fusion Reactor" bit.ly/4709vWe • Dad x6; husband x1 • #SciComm #ITER

Vinon-sur-Verdon and Brussels linkedin.com/in/michel-clae… Joined July 2009

1.6K Following 2K Followers 3K Posts

Latest posts 5

Michel Claessens @M_Claessens 4d

#ITER has successfully completed a major test campaign on one of its 330-tonne superconducting D-shaped toroidal magnets, before its installation in the fusion reactor #fusionenergy interestingengineering.com/energy/iter-33…

interestingengineering.com World's largest fusion project tests 330-tonne magnet at 34 kA ITER completes a 34-kA test of its 330-tonne superconducting magnet as the component moves closer to tokamak integration.

Michel Claessens @M_Claessens Oct 15

Germany launches its own fusion milestone program, implemented through performance-based government funding and “targeted leverage of private capital, and rigorous evaluation of technological and economic progress” (AI-generated image) #fusionenergy ans.org/news/2026-10-1…

Michel Claessens @M_Claessens Sep 10

#ITER reports “substantial progress” in assembly and installation work. This is a boost to @iterorg's current goals of beginning research operation in 2034, achieving full magnetic energy in 2036, and starting DT operation in 2039 #fusionenergy ans.org/news/2026-09-0…

Michel Claessens @M_Claessens Sep 9

Helion's shifts goalpost on fusion energy. "Full power won't come before 2029 or 2030," an executive acknowledged this summer. #fusionenergy axios.com/pro/climate-de…

www.axios.com Helion's shifts goalpost on fusion energy The $15.5b startup is quietly hedging on its timeline.

Michel Claessens @M_Claessens Aug 26

Commonwealth Fusion Systems' CEO @BobMumgaard said their fusion reactor, SPARC, is now “about 80% complete.” Some experts argue that commercial fusion is “probably decades” away #fusionenergy @CFS_energy utilitydive.com/news/what-a-bi… via @UtilityDive

www.utilitydive.com Commonwealth Fusion Systems aims to complete demonstration reactor with $1B funding round CEO Bob Mumgaard said the reactor, SPARC, is now “about 80% complete.” Experts remain divided over how soon they believe fusion technology could be commercialized.