Replace the seven nuclear reactors now disseminated by Spain And that, if there are no changes, they will begin a progressive closure from 2027, by A single plant capable of supplying the same amount of electricity and with a “exponentially” risk of radiation of which exists now. This could be in the future the energy from the nucleus of the atom, different from the one we know today and in which about thirty countries work, in a march that still has too many obstacles. Them Spain has just beenthrough Rodas Project in which a consortium of Spanish companies and research centers works, to develop Technologies Advanced manufacturing for Critical component production For nuclear fusion reactors that, if expectations are met, could begin to be built from 2050.
If the nuclear energy used today is obtained from the fission of the nucleus, It consists in the separation of atoms, Fusion is just the opposite reaction, the union in which hydrogen isotopes involved that generate helium and a loss of mass that It becomes an “unlimited” energy which has been called the “stars’ energy.” On a much more practical plane, it means having the same or more nuclear energy that with the fission that is now used with a much lower risk of radiation, which researchers consider “practically non -existent.”
If they occur, they say, it would never be so serious because the chain reaction would not occur that it is possible with nuclear fission, such as the Chernobyl accident. “There is practically no radiation problem. The people who live in the surroundings [de la central]if there is an accident, I would no longer be affected by a radiation problem. At most, some inside the central, “he explains Andrés Hernando, CEO and founder of HIBARICone of the companies that participate in the Rodas Project.
“Nuclear fusion is presented as one of the most promising solutions for the future, Thanks to its security and the practically inexhaustible availability of resources “it provides, he added in a recent telematic meeting with the press Nerea OrdásAdditive Manufacturing Director of the Technology Center CEIT.
A single central for all Spain
The Rodas project is the Spanish contribution to the search for nuclear fusionin which the United Kingdom and especially China – with their own rules – seem more advanced. It is leaded by the Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) and the University of Granada and companies participate in it LeadingHiperbaric, the Foundation Idonial, Innomaq21, Novadep Ndt Systems and Rovalma.
In addition to almost completely excluded the risk of radiation and unlimited energy availability, the nuclear fusion that is sought bullively throughout the world would have Another advantagewhich would require much less central of those that are currently necessary. Thus, the equivalent of the seven reactors that are now active in Spain in five nuclear plants, only one would be necessary. In France, where there are more than a hundred, only two or three would be specified.
Research to generate energy through nuclear fusion is not new. What is new now is that, for the first time in decades, the possibility of shorten the deadlines in which it could be a reality. Until now, there was a constant expectation of being able to develop it in 50 years. Now, that temporary period that moved in time without changes has begun to be shortened and the possibility of starting to build the first plants for nuclear fusion from 2050 is seen on the horizon. That is, within about 15 years, to which another decade or a half and a half would have to be added to start working. They are even long terms but that already cover the expectation of people already in the middle age, which can see it.
But for nuclear fusion to be a reality, it is still necessary Develop highly resistant technology and materials This is between the Rodas project, which needs about 2.5 million euros per year during the four years that will last and already have a financing of 7.78 million, of which 5.64 million that at the end of last year received from the Ministry of Science. With this help, the Spanish government follows the wake of the impulse that, together, the EU wants to give to nuclear fusion. The pact for a green industry approved by the European Commission a few weeks ago declares its willingness to promote “the next generation of clean energy and technologies”, which will finance with 600 million between 2026 and 2027 and among which the nuclear fusion also is. The European Commission considers it an “source of innovative and decarbonized energy for the future” and will propose the creation of private public associations to accelerate its commercialization.
Resistance of materials and trials in the iter
Precisely, the Rodas project already one of those collaboration between public centers and private companies that, however, faces not a few difficultieslinked to complexity of processes for the development of highly resistant materials -and expensive.
For the moment, There are “very important technical limitations”, Explain Nacho CobosDirector of R&D of Leading, another of the Rodas Project Company. They have to do with the materials and the need to have “almost impossible technologies.”
A reactor generates millions of temperature degrees and this amount of heat and radiation requires effective materials, with very complicated technologies among which emerges as the best alternative, which focuses on the Rodas project, the Combined additive manufacturing with technologies with the hot isostatic pressed (Hot isostatic pressing, hit).
It is also lto the difficulty of essays. There is still no fusion reactor with enough energy to study how materials would behave but facilities where these conditions can be tested. Some are In the United States, where material is sent from Europe To be analyzed, and the Rodas project also has experimental facilities such as The neutron accelerator that is being built in Granadain collaboration between E Cieat and its university. This is already being done, but it is still necessary to “contrast” the results and for this the Rodas project will also resort to the international experimental thermal reactor (ITER), In Cadarache (France).
“We are fully convinced that this energy will be viable And especially with the energy growth that will be necessary, “says Cobos, despite the difficulties.
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