This year it seems that it will be the year of nuclear fusion in Spain, because as soon as 2025 started they have managed to produce the First plasma in the smart reactor. This advance that placed the country at the forefront of nuclear fusion research, now will take a step further for consolidation.
An answer. Spain has decided to focus its efforts on nuclear fusion and will present the Rodas Project. An initiative in which four research centers and five companies participate, which not only promotes the merger industry in the Spanish nation, but is also part of a global strategy in which more than 30 countries participate.
A safe and sustainable source. Nuclear fusion has an almost inexhaustible availability of resources and presents great security, so it looks like a Energy solution. However, one of the challenges is in the manufacture of large and complex components that can withstand high temperatures and radiation.
The Rodas project. As They explained a few months ago The research head, the Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT), the initiative will last four years. As The economist advancedthe main project challenge is to create materials that support extreme temperatures and high levels of radiation, while optimizing production processes to make them more efficient and sustainable. They also hope to reduce the production times of components of eight to two weeks and reduce the waste of material by 80%.
The consortium. The project It is led For the CIEMAT and has the participation of the University of Granada, the Idonial Foundation and the Hiperbaric, Leading, Innomaq21, Novadep Ndt Systems and Rovalma companies.
Each has contributed key elements of their specialization. First, hyperbaric He has worked In the development of a new generation of presses and hot isostatic pressed ovens, essential to improve the mechanical properties of materials. On the other hand, together Leading and Innomaq21 They have focused in the optimization of additive manufacturing processes and in the development of high precision assembly techniques. Third, Novadep Ndt Systems has contributed Your experience in non -destructive inspection systems to guarantee the quality of the components. For his part, Rovalma has specialized in the creation of advanced alloys with optimized properties to withstand extreme conditions. Finally, so much The University of Granada and The Idonial Foundation He has contributed his research modeling and behavior simulation in merger conditions.
The closure of nuclear centrals. Between 2027 and 2035, Spain has on its agenda close nuclear plantsthis procedure that is in full controversy. In contrast, the country will invest in fusion because nuclear fission – the technology used in current plants – generates hazardous radioactive waste creating a chain reaction. In addition, in the future, a single fusion center could replace the seven fission reactors currently operating in Spain, reducing the risk of radiation.
Forecasts This type of project is has estimated which would take at least 50 years to develop, but the first commercial reactors may be earlier than plan Granada neutron accelerator and The Iter experimental reactor in France.
Image | Eurofusion
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