Under the document already ratified by the State Duma, which was first signed in Paris on November 21, 2006, Russia, South Korea, China, Japan, India, the European Union, and the United States agree to fund the construction of the experimental reactor.
The agreement provides immunity and privileges for the organization overseeing the international project's joint implementation.
"The project aimed at sustainable generation of thermonuclear power will be implemented in France," said Mikhail Margelov, head of the international affairs committee at the Federation Council.
He said Russia would contribute up to 10% of the project costs, mostly with equipment supplies. "Like the other participants in the project Russia will have access to the entire research and development information," Margelov said.
The $10 billion project to build the reactor in Cadarache near Marseilles in southern France is designed to demonstrate the scientific and technological potential of nuclear fusion, amid concerns over growing energy consumption and the impact of conventional fossil fuels on the environment.
The first thermonuclear reactor is expected to be built by 2016. The European Union will cover 40% of the costs and the other participants will contribute 10% each. - RIA Novosti
