AI-generated summary
Fusion energy, often called the “energy of the stars,” offers a clean, safe, and virtually limitless power source, positioning itself as a key solution to climate change and energy independence challenges. Spain has become a global leader in fusion research and development through a strong ecosystem of scientific, technological, and industrial initiatives. Central to this is the IFMIF-DONES project in Granada, a cutting-edge facility designed to test materials for future fusion reactors, which also contributes valuable insights to medicine and particle physics. The University of Seville’s SMART tokamak, notable for its innovative design enhancing plasma stability, and CIEMAT’s long-standing TJ-II stellarator, which advances plasma physics, further underscore Spain’s leadership in fusion technology.
Spain’s private sector complements public research with startups and companies like Obuu, Hiperbaric, Gauss Fusion, AVS, and Empresarios Agrupados, which contribute precision engineering, advanced manufacturing, and large-scale industrial vision to global fusion projects such as ITER and DEMO. This public-private collaboration fosters knowledge transfer and positions Spain for strategic industrial contracts, reinforcing its role in the European and international fusion landscape. Fusion energy aligns with Spain’s long-term energy policies aimed at decarbonization and renewable integration, offering a stable, emission-free complement to intermittent renewables. While technical and economic challenges remain, Spain’s robust infrastructure, talent pool, and commitment to innovation provide a promising path to leading the fusion-powered energy transition of the 21st century.
With projects such as IFMIF-DONES, the SMART tokamak and a network of innovative startups, Spain is consolidating itself as a key player in the global race for fusion energy
Fusion energy, considered the “energy of the stars”, promises to be a clean, safe and inexhaustible source. Faced with the challenges of climate change and the need for energy independence, fusion is emerging as a strategic alternative. In this context, Spain has emerged as an international benchmark, thanks to a combination of scientific, technological and industrial initiatives that make up a robust and growing ecosystem.
IFMIF-DONES: Granada as an international epicentre
One of the most ambitious projects is IFMIF-DONES (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility – DEMO Oriented NEutron Source), which is being built in Escúzar (Granada). This world-renowned scientific facility will be used to test and qualify materials that will have to withstand the extreme conditions inside future fusion reactors.
IFMIF-DONES is part of the European roadmap for fusion energy and has been included in the ESFRI list of priority scientific infrastructures. Its impact goes beyond fusion: it will also generate applicable knowledge in medicine, advanced materials and particle physics. Spain is leading its construction, attracting investment and international talent.
SMART: innovation from the University of Seville
The University of Seville has developed the SMART (Small Aspect Ratio Tokamak) tokamak, which in 2025 managed to generate its first plasma. This device is unique for its spherical design and its ability to operate with “negative triangularity,” a configuration that improves plasma stability by reducing magnetic instabilities.
SMART is part of the Fusion2Grid project, which seeks to develop compact, efficient and grid-connected fusion reactors. Its experimental approach will allow the study of concepts applicable to future industrial devices.
CIEMAT and the TJ-II Estelarator: pioneers in fusion research
For decades, the Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) has been the main Spanish benchmark in the field of fusion. Its TJ-II Estelarator, operational since 1997, has made it possible to investigate the physics of plasma and advance in magnetic confinement configurations.
CIEMAT collaborates closely with major European and international programmes, including ITER, and leads working groups on physics, instrumentation and ancillary technologies. It also plays a strategic role in the preparation of the technical and research staff that will operate in IFMIF-DONES and other infrastructures.
Startups and companies: innovation from the private sector
Beyond the public and academic sphere, Spain is seeing the emergence of a network of startups and technology companies that add value to the development of nuclear fusion. Below, we highlight three key actors:
Obuu: precision engineering for ITER
Obuu, a Madrid-based startup incubated by the ESA BIC programme, has managed to participate in the international megaproject ITER. In collaboration with SOGECLAIR Aerospace, it has designed and manufactured industrial tools and processes for the assembly and calibration of components of the heat shield of the Tokamak reactor. It is a clear example of how the Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem can be integrated into global high-tech value chains.
Hiperbaric: Advanced Manufacturing with AI
The Burgos-based company Hiperbaric is leading the RODAS project, which seeks to apply Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) technologies and develop new large furnaces for the manufacture of critical components. The application of artificial intelligence to these processes will improve the efficiency, traceability and quality of the materials used in fusion reactors. RODAS is financed by the Government with more than 7 million euros.
Gauss Fusion: large-scale industrial vision
Gauss Fusion, a European startup owned by the Spanish engineering firm IDOM, is one of the founders of the European Fusion Association (EFA). Its goal is ambitious: to build an operational fusion plant in Europe around 2045. Among the candidate locations is Vandellós (Tarragona), taking advantage of the existing energy infrastructure to facilitate its implementation. The project represents an estimated investment of 20,000 million euros and positions Spain as a candidate to host the future fusion industry.
AVS: Spanish precision engineering for fusion
AVS (Added Value Solutions), based in the Basque Country, is one of the most active Spanish companies in the field of fusion energy. Specialising in precision engineering for extreme environments, AVS has been involved in key projects such as ITER and MITICA, supplying advanced components such as pellet injection systems, magnetic sensors and particle beam structures. Its experience in large scientific facilities and its collaboration with international organizations such as Fusion for Energy position it as a strategic technological partner within the European fusion ecosystem.
Empresarios Agrupados: integral engineering for great science
Empresarios Agrupados has been contributing to the development of nuclear fusion for more than three decades, with a prominent participation in ITER since its design phase. Through the b.NEXT consortium, it coordinates key civil engineering and planning tasks at the Cadarache site. He also collaborates in the IFMIF-DONES project, supporting the design of the materials testing facility in Granada. Its multidisciplinary experience in complex systems positions this company as a technical pillar of the Spanish and international fusion ecosystem.
Public-private collaboration: a model of success
The fusion ecosystem in Spain stands out for the synergy between academic institutions, technology centres and companies. Organizations such as the
Ineustar plays an essential role as a link between the Spanish technology industry and major international nuclear fusion projects. Through events such as the “Initiatives towards DEMO” conference and its involvement in the IFMIF-DONES industrial office, it promotes the coordinated participation of national companies in the fusion value chain. In addition, it promotes knowledge transfer and public-private collaboration, strengthening the capacities of the Spanish industrial ecosystem in the face of the energy challenges of the future.
This collaboration allows Spain to opt for strategic industrial contracts within the ITER, DEMO or IFMIF programmes, and to anticipate the arrival of an emerging market with high growth potential.
Fusion and energy transition
Fusion is also a strategic piece in the global energy transition. In the case of Spain, its development is aligned with several long-term energy policy priorities.
The National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan (PNIEC) 2023-2030 and the 2050 Long-Term Decarbonisation Strategy are committed to a sustainable energy system, with renewables playing a leading role and the progressive abandonment of fossil fuels. However, both documents recognize the need for backup technologies that ensure stability, baseload capacity, and energy sovereignty. This is where fusion can play a fundamental role in the coming decades.
Spain, with its strong investment in R+D and its active participation in projects such as IFMIF-DONES or Fusion2Grid, is well positioned to lead the technological leap from research to real electricity generation, when the technology is mature. This commitment is not intended to replace renewables, but to complement them with a continuous and emission-free source, capable of covering energy demand in a stable and safe way.
In addition, Spain’s energy geography – with abundant solar and wind resources, but with some reliance on storage and imports – could benefit greatly from a source of high energy density such as fusion. If the country manages to consolidate itself as one of the first to integrate fusion into its energy mix, it will strengthen its position as a European hub for innovation and sustainability.
Future challenges and opportunities
Although the merger still faces technical and economic barriers, Spain’s position is advantageous. The accumulated experience, the quality of its facilities and the talent available allow it to advance in multiple lines: material design, plasma simulation, control electronics, remote maintenance, etc.
The success of this ecosystem will depend on its ability to attract continued investment, consolidate young talent and integrate into European and international value chains. With a clear focus on innovation, collaboration and long-term vision, Spain has a unique opportunity to lead one of the most important energy transitions of the 21st century.
