EU to build experimental fusion reactor

European Union nations on Monday endorsed a pact to build an experimental fusion reactor with the aim of developing a cheaper, cleaner, safer and endless energy source. Six other nations - the United States, India, China, Japan, South Korea and Russia - also aim to ratify the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, or ITER, fusion energy project this year so that work can start in 2007 on the 35-year project. Officials said the experimental reactor - to be located in Cadarache, in the southern French region of Provence - will take around eight years to build.