IFMIF-DONES highlights its strategic role in fusion energy at the third IAEA World Fusion Energy Group Meeting
IFMIF-DONES participated today in the Third High-level Meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG), organised by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The meeting brought together high-level representatives from governments, international organisations, research institutions and the fusion industry to discuss the latest developments, challenges and opportunities in accelerating the deployment of fusion energy.
Established as a platform to strengthen international dialogue and cooperation, the World Fusion Energy Group reflects the growing global momentum behind fusion energy, driven by recent scientific breakthroughs, technological advances and increasing public and private investment.
The meeting addressed key topics shaping the future of fusion, including technological progress, emerging international partnerships, financing strategies and national approaches to establishing fusion energy programmes.
IFMIF-DONES: addressing one of fusion energy’s most critical challenges
IFMIF-DONES participated in the meeting as an Other Intergovernmental Organisation (IGO), represented by a delegation comprising Moisés Weber, Director of the IFMIF-DONES España Consortium and Head of Delegation; José Aguilar, Head of Executive Office; and Rafael Esteban, Management Officer.
During its high-level statement, IFMIF-DONES emphasised that fusion energy represents one of humanity’s most promising long-term solutions to the growing demand for clean, reliable and abundant energy. While significant progress has been achieved in fusion research, important technological challenges remain before fusion can become a commercially viable energy source. Among them, developing and qualifying materials that can withstand the extreme conditions inside future fusion reactors is particularly critical.
IFMIF-DONES, a pioneering international research infrastructure currently under construction in Granada, Spain, is precisely the mission to address this challenge. By providing essential experimental capabilities to test and qualify materials under fusion-relevant conditions, IFMIF-DONES will make a fundamental contribution to the development of future fusion power plants.
From International Commitment to Tangible Progress
The IFMIF-DONES delegation highlighted significant progress in implementing the project, underscoring the strong commitment of its international partners and supporting national and regional administrations.
With virtually all the resources required for its implementation already committed, the project has established a solid foundation for its successful delivery.
IFMIF-DONES has already achieved its first four major project milestones on schedule, including the recent start of construction of the facility’s main building. These achievements demonstrate the Programme’s determination to translate international cooperation into tangible results and deliver the scientific infrastructure required to support the next generation of fusion energy technologies.
Strengthening International Cooperation and Expanding Scientific Opportunities
International collaboration was another central message of IFMIF-DONES’ intervention.
The Programme reaffirmed its openness to welcoming new international partners willing to contribute to this shared scientific and technological endeavour.
Beyond its primary mission in fusion materials research, IFMIF-DONES will also provide unique opportunities for multidisciplinary research, with potential applications in science, technology and medicine. The facility is expected to become a major international scientific infrastructure, supporting a growing community of researchers and fostering innovation across different disciplines.
A shared commitment to the future of fusion energy
IFMIF-DONES concluded its intervention by emphasising that developing fusion energy is a collective challenge requiring sustained international cooperation, long-term commitment, and shared scientific ambition: “The development of fusion energy is one of the most ambitious scientific and technological undertakings ever pursued by humankind. It is a challenge that no single country, institution or generation can meet alone.”
Through its participation in the World Fusion Energy Group, IFMIF-DONES reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to the global fusion roadmap and helping transform the promise of fusion into a practical reality. As the international fusion community accelerates its efforts towards a cleaner, more secure and sustainable energy future, IFMIF-DONES stands ready to provide one of the essential scientific capabilities needed to make that ambition possible.
