Power Technology

European Union to invest $236m in IFMIF-DONES facility

This funding represents 25% of the project's total cost and is directed via Fusion for Energy (F4E).

The European Union (EU) will invest €202m ($236m) in the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility – DEMO-Oriented Neutron Source (IFMIF-DONES).

This funding represents 25% of the project's total cost and is directed via Fusion for Energy (F4E) to provide part of the technologies for this centre.

The EU is joining forces with Spain, which holds a 55% stake, Croatia at 5%, Japan at 5.1%, and Italy, which is currently finalising its stake. The partnership will result in a premier research infrastructure in Granada, Spain.

The accelerator-based facility aims to simulate high-energy neutron flux within a fusion reactor environment, enabling extensive testing and qualification of materials resilient enough for use in future devices such as DEMO.

F4E director Marc Lachaise stated: “The approval of the European contribution to IFMIF-DONES sends a clear message: Europe is committed to harnessing the potential of fusion energy through the teams of F4E and aspires to be a leader. IFMIF DONES is now officially part of the European fusion roadmap.

“With this investment, F4E will involve European industry, SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises] and R&D [research and development] organisations through various contracts. IFMIF-DONES tackles a strategic technology in the field of energy, and the EU has reaffirmed its support.”

F4E will collaborate with Europe’s supply chain for the manufacturing of necessary components, building on the insights drawn from IFMIF/EVEDA project.

Europe will contribute advanced technologies, including a high-current particle accelerator, diagnostics, remote handling systems and specialised materials such as EUROFER steel. F4E is assigning staff for the programme.

The commitment from both EU institutions and member countries was symbolised by a ceremonial first stone-laying event in May 2024.

Spanish Minister of Science, Innovation and Universities Diana Morant stated: “We are taking firm steps in a strategic project that addresses the global challenge of overcoming the energy crisis and places Spain and Europe at the forefront of fusion energy research.”