F4E lists ITER neutral-beam magnetic shielding procurement as awarded

The powerful magnets that confine plasma can also create a problem for the energetic particles injected to heat it. On 13 November, Europe's Fusion for Energy (F4E) listed procurement F4E-OMF-1886 for ITER's neutral-beam magnetic shielding in its award notices, with the status “Awarded.”

Neutral beam injection (NBI) accelerates charged ions and then removes their charge so the fast neutral particles can enter the plasma. Before neutralisation, however, the ions can be deflected by stray magnetic fields around the machine. Magnetic shielding and correction coils are therefore part of the injector's design. ITER's neutral beam power supply is designed for acceleration at approximately 1 MV and very high input power.

In September 2025, F4E promoted potential partners for the same tender number in structural and thermal testing, metrology, coils and certified metal components. The new listing indicates a further procurement stage. The value field on F4E's award list reads “Not defined,” and the selected supplier's identity and contract signature date could not be established from the material retrieved. Figures published by tender aggregators should not be treated as confirmed award amounts.

This type of shielding combines magnetic design with mechanical engineering, materials processing, qualification tests and metrology — a reminder that sophisticated fusion equipment relies on a broad industrial supply chain.