Geotechnical studies are commissioned for the construction of the first laboratories of IFMIF-DONES in Escúzar

The first trial pits and explorations have been conducted on the site where the first buildings related to the accelerator particle project will be constructed

Codaxsa technicians have begun the preliminary work for the construction of the first laboratories of IFMIF-DONES in Escúzar. The Research Centre for Energy, Environment and Technology (CIEMAT) has commissioned the geotechnical study of the site where the main building and buildings with additional laboratories will be constructed. The first will be occupied by the team leading the project and the additional buildings will store the systems during the construction phase. Currently, trial pits and explorations and other tests have been conducted at the plot donated by the City Council of Escúzar.

IFMIF-DONES is a powerful neutron irradiation facility, part of the European strategy to obtain electrical energy from nuclear fusion. The overall aim is to study the properties of materials in a neutron field similar to the one in which the first wall of a fusion reactor would be immersed. Spain, through the Ministry of Science and Innovation and the regional Government of Andalucía, has put forward its candidacy to bring this unique facility to Escúzar.

The facility, which will be co-funded through FEDER funds by means of the DONES-PRIME project and others, will confirm the strong support for the IFMIF-DONES particle accelerator and will be a decisive boost to accelerate and facilitate the decision of its construction in Escúzar. The laboratories will contribute to the validation of the design of the essential components of the facility, such as the lithium purification system, radiofrequency sources, control systems and remote handling of complex components.

At the same time, different activities have been carried out since 2019 in the preparatory phase of the project, within the framework of DONES-PreP. This project has the purpose of defining the structure and the organism that will manage IFMIF-DONES in the long-term.