Fusion power is safe, clean, and practically unlimited—but is also one of humanity’s greatest challenges
The ‘IFMIF-DONES’ project is set to play a critical role in the journey toward fusion power
A new video showing how this will be achieved is now available:
- English version: https://youtu.be/qupecxxcZTQ
- Spanish version: https://youtu.be/4OSYX3w8lL4
In this video, the IFMIF-DONES Consortium explains the major role that the project is set to play in the journey toward fusion power, which derives from energy produced at the centre of the sun and the stars. Tapping into this clean and unlimited energy-source is one of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Europe and the entire international community have set their sights on producing energy from fusion by the mid-21st Century. The roadmap they have set out in order to achieve this goal features two key projects: ITER and DEMO. However, among others, there is one particular intermediate project that is also in the spotlight as it will play an essential part, positioning Europe and Spain at the forefront of scientific and technological powers in the field. Its name: IFMIF-DONES.
IFMIF-DONES (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility DEMO Oriented Neutron Source) constitutes the vital link, prior to building the DEMO reactor, which is scheduled for the year 2050. The project will be the precursor to the commercial production of fusion and its consolidation as a viable energy-source. More specifically, the facility at Escúzar in the province of Granada will enable the irradiation conditions inside future fusion reactors to be simulated.
On a 100,000 m² site, IFMIF-DONES will house a range of facilities that are the only ones of their kind in the world. The construction of this facility alone is expected to take 10 years, at which point it will begin its operational phase for at least 20 years, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Various scientific campaigns implemented throughout that period will bring us much closer to the long-awaited arrival of fusion power by the middle of the 21st Century.
In the global context, fusion power will be an essential factor in overcoming the global energy crisis by replacing existing sources that deplete the planet’s resources. This move constitutes one of the primary strategies among the Sustainable Development Goals proposed under the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
Link to the video: (The partial or total media use of this video is allowed, citing the IFMIF-DONES Consortium as the author.)
- English version: https://youtu.be/qupecxxcZTQ
- Spanish version: https://youtu.be/4OSYX3w8lL4
Media enquiries:
Scientific Culture Unit (UCC)
Communications Management Office, University of Granada
Tel.: +34 958 244278 | Email: centeno@ugr.es
