The Basque technological center aims to improve the scientific facility and reduce its energy consumption.
Tekniker-IK4 and the new European Spallation Source (ESS), based in Lund, Sweden, have signed an agreement by which the Basque technological center will lead part of the design of this scientific installation during the next two years. The contract is worth €4 million.
Tekniker-IK4 specializes in scientific facilities and precision engineering, allowing it to provide the European Spallation Source with a package of technological solutions. Among them are an electrical system for the linear accelerator, the generation, maintenance and control system for the high vacuum in the beam cavity, and the development of the cryogenic plant that will supply liquid helium to the accelerator cavities.
Further, Tekniker-IK4 will be the liaison between the design of the neutron source and the construction companies building it. As such, it aims to improve the efficiency of the facility and reduce its energy consumption. In fact, the company will utilize renewable energy sources.
The Spanish technological center will lead a team that includes the collaboration of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) based in Switzerland, France’s National Institute of Nuclear Physics and Particle Physics (IN2P3), the German center for research on materials structure (DESY), SNS from North America and leading facilities companies such as Air Liquide and Linde.
The Source is expected to begin operating in 2019, and to be fully operative in 2025. The total cost of the facility is estimated at €1.48 billion. With this project, begun more than 15 years ago, Europe aims to leapfrog ahead of the current leaders in this field on a global level, the United States and Japan. This large European scientific center will open new opportunities for all types of researchers in disciplines such as: chemistry, energy, nanotechnology, environmental engineering, food and pharmaceuticals.
ess-scandinavia.eu