The IFMIF-DONES Consortium has formalized a new framework agreement for the site management of its scientific-technological infrastructure works. Concurrently, the company Sando is involved in the Optima-Dones project, focused on a cyber-physical system for advanced supervision and maintenance. These initiatives exemplify the opportunities the project, led by the Spanish Government and the Regional Government of Andalusia, offers to the business sector, in areas of high technology, construction, and operation.
Considered the largest international science and innovation project currently underway in Spain, the total investment for IFMIF-DONES is estimated at over 1 billion euros, with projected annual operating costs of 100 million. The project is supported by the Central Government, the Regional Government of Andalusia, and involves participation from countries such as Italy, Croatia, and Japan, in addition to the European agency Fusion for Energy (F4E).
Spanish companies, including those from Andalusia, can benefit from R&D to meet the center's advanced technological needs, as it is a unique facility globally. Furthermore, opportunities exist through direct tenders from the IFMIF-DONES Spain Consortium, which has awarded major framework agreements but still has business prospects, and through technological contracts from the Fusion for Energy agency, valued at over 200 million euros.
Once the facilities are operational, expected from 2034 for 30 years, approximately one-third of the estimated 100 million annual euros will be allocated to maintenance, driving industrial improvements and new developments. The entity's director, Moisés Weber, highlights the wide range of necessary services, from travel and conferences to cleaning, security, and fiscal, labor, or legal advisory services.
The defense and automotive industries, due to their advanced technology development capabilities, can also find synergies with IFMIF-DONES. Companies accustomed to developing complex systems, even those not considering themselves part of 'big science,' may discover capabilities to become involved in the project.
Specific examples of business participation include the consortium led by Sando for the Optima-Dones project, focused on predictive maintenance using digital twins and artificial intelligence. Another framework agreement for the site management of works was awarded to Técnicas y proyectos SA (Typsa) for 11.9 million euros. Contracts for software licenses have also been formalized with T-Systems, and for support engineering with Ayesa and UG21. The construction of the nuclear fusion center has been awarded to Ferrovial, FCC, and Añil for 174 million euros, with Acciona also involved.
