In the frame of development of the ITER electron cyclotron wave (ECW) system, a two MW CW coaxial cavity gyrotron will be developed during the Sixth Framework Program (2003-2006). Such development relies on the availability of a test stand capable of providing the electrical energy and cooling capacity. This test stand will possibly be used, in a later stage, for the component test of the ITER ECW system. This paper will first present the main parameters of this new coaxial gyrotron. Then we describe the test stand itself, including the general requirements for testing and evaluating the behaviour of the RF source and then a description of the electrical system design. Compared to the ITER reference design, the test stand emphasises the requirement of flexibility, which is necessary during the development of the gyrotron. The additional electrical equipment is included in the overview of the electrical system. The cooling system will be an important part of the design study. Indeed, the design efficiency of such a depressed collector gyrotron is approximate to 50%, implying > 4 MW of continuous heat dissipation and evacuation by the cooling equipment. The specifications of the cooling system must also comply with ITER reference design values. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.