A landmark decree authorizes ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ construction
12 Nov 2012
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Osamu Motojima, ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Director-General
"This is indeed a great day for ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ!"
Step by step, over the past two and a half years, we've been progressing toward an essential milestone in the history of our project. This milestone has now been achieved: two days ago, on Saturday 10 November, French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault signed the official decree that authorizes the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ to create the (INB) ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ.
This long-awaited document is the culmination of a tremendous amount of work, both on our side and on that of the French authorities. For the past 30 months, our project has been scrutinized by different groups and committees, submitted to the analysis of several boards of experts, and also to the public's judgment. Every nut and bolt of the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ machine, as well as its operational objectives, have has been closely examined.
These procedures were no mere formalities ... they were long, complex and demanding.
They were also indispensable, both from a regulatory point of view and because of the responsibility that is ours: as ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ is the first fusion device that qualifies as a nuclear installation, we had to explore largely uncharted territory.
This landmark decree comes as just reward for our rigorous consideration of safety and environmental issues. It is a reward for the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Safety, Quality & Security Department (and, more specifically, to its Licensing Cell); a reward for the Department for the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ Project; but it is also a reward for each and every one of us. Whether directly involved or not, we all contributed to this success and I want to thank you all, whatever your position or responsibility within the ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ.
We have worked constructively with the French authorities and will continue to do so throughout the duration of ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ's lifetime. As demonstrated throughout the past 30 months, ours is an uncompromising but trusting relationship, one that is based on a strong engagement from ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ.
We never doubted the validity of our project. ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ safety has now been confirmed by a large body of outside, independent experts. This is indeed a great day for ±¬×ߺÚÁÏ.