French Reactor Carries
The Hope of Scientists
By Keay Davidson

ITER (click to enlarge)

Construction began this year in France on one of the largest machines ever built — a $12 billion, eight-story nuclear fusion reactor that some researchers hope will mark the beginning of the end of the world's recurrent energy crises. The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, or ITER, will be a prototype to test the feasibility of fusion as an energy source for the masses. "ITER carries very large risks," said Per Peterson, with Berkeley Lab's Accelerator and Fusion Research Division. Lab Director Steve Chu is also quoted in the article. Full story.

Lab, PG&E Laud Chabot Center's Energy Efforts

Piette

Berkeley Lab and the Pacific Gas & Electric Company have honored Chabot Space & Science Center for its pioneering role in a study to significantly reduce loads on California's electricity grid during peak consumption days. Chabot received an Early Adaptor Innovative Award for being among 13 facilities to participate in the pilot phase of the Demand Response Research Center's Critical Peak Pricing study of PG&E customers. "Chabot has shown that it can shed electric power during critical usage periods," said Berkeley Lab scientist Mary Ann Piette, director for the Environmental Energy Technologies Division's Demand Response Rsearch Center. Full story.

Lawrence Road Detours During Construction

Construction began yesterday to widen Lawrence Road and build a pedestrian walkway between Buildings 67 (Molecular Foundry) and 72 (National Center for Electron Microscopy). During this weekend and next, Lawrence Road will be closed at Building 72 and all traffic (pedestrian and vehicular) will be detoured onto the lower road from Buildings 31 to 62. Drivers should use caution, as portions of this road are narrow.  During weekdays, there will be periods of one-lane traffic. Construction is expected to last approximately one month. Contact Steve Blair (x5927) with any questions.

Weekend Phone, Network Outages in Building 937

The microwave radios that support the telephone and network systems for Building 937 (Downtown Center) will be temporarily relocated while work is done on the roof.  This may cause service disruptions beginning at 7 a.m. this Saturday. Work should be completed by 5 p.m. on Sunday. For emergencies, use cell phones to call 911.

Tickets for SaberCats
Football on Sale

Discount tickets are available for SaberCats arena football playoff games this weekend. Upper sideline tickets for the SaberCats are only $5, while lower-level seats are $13. To purchase tickets, call (408) 573-5577 and mention your Berkeley Lab affiliation.