VATIST

Projects - Nuclear

 Advanced Projects, Nuclear
  • Location: Granada
  • Operador/Cliente: CDTI
  • Period: 2025 – ongoing

The Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI) has awarded Lot 2 of the Pre-Commercial Public Procurement (CPP) contract for the development of innovative solutions in the validation of systems and materials in fusion energy (DONES) to the joint venture (UTE) formed by Asturfeito S.A., Empresarios Agrupados Internacional S.A., and Ingecid S.L. This contract (VATIST) focuses on the technological validation of the test cell of the IFMIF-DONES project (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility – DEMO-Oriented Neutron Source).

Located in Granada, IFMIF-DONES is a scientific infrastructure designed to support the development of nuclear fusion energy, a clean, safe, and sustainable energy source. Its main objective is to test and evaluate advanced materials capable of withstanding the extreme conditions inside a fusion reactor, such as high temperatures and high radiation doses. Through this initiative, the behavior of materials under neutron radiation in an environment similar to that of a fusion reactor will be assessed. Its development aims to prepare the next generation of fusion reactors, such as DEMO (Demonstration Power Plant), the intermediate step before commercial reactors.

Specifically, the VATIST contract scope includes the design, manufacturing, assembly, and testing of the validation system, comprising the vacuum vessel, lithium target, radiological shielding, service systems, and equipment control system.

Figure 1: Components of the lithium target.
Figure 1: Components of the lithium target.
Figure 2: Structure of the test cell lining.
Figure 2: Structure of the test cell lining.

EAG’s scope of work in the contract consists of the manufacturing design of:

  • Vacuum and gas supply subsystem (including He and Ar supply).
  • Atmospheric recirculation subsystem.
  • Water cooling service subsystem (external components of the vessel).
  • Helium cooling service subsystem.
  • Electrical subsystem.
  • Containment structure.
  • Additionally, EAI will conduct the Design Basis Accident (DBA) analysis of the vessel.

 

 

The contract is structured into three phases:

Phase I, manufacturing design, with a duration of 10 months, officially started on 13/01/2025.

Phase II, validator manufacturing, will last 24 months.

Phase III, validator testing, will be carried out over 6 months.

The total awarded budget is €12,222,000.

The contract is co-financed by CDTI and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 2021-2027.

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