A substantial step forward in the realization of the ITER HNB system: The ITER NBI Test Facility

Abstract Substantial progresses have been achieved in the realization of the ITER Neutral Beam Test Facility (NBTF) hosted in Padova, Italy; the buildings, completed by the end of 2015, are being progressively filled with new systems and components. The realization of SPIDER, the ITER full-size negative ion source, is well advanced and important progress is also recorded for MITICA, the full-scale prototype of the ITER HNB injector. The paper gives an overview of the achieved results, highlighting the main challenges faced.