The contract that will transform the ITER platform into one of Europe’s biggest engineering sites has been signed between Fusion for Energy (F4E) and COMSA EMTE, a Spanish company with a proven track record in the field of construction. The objective of the contract, which is expected to run for at least one year and with a budget of approximately 11 million EUR, is to make the necessary adaptations on the ITER site in order to develop roads for the transport of material and equipment, extend power supply and water distribution, deliver the required amenities for a workforce of 3 000 people and streamline all protocols for safety, security and access to the site.
It is envisaged that over the next eight years, 39 buildings and facilities will be built on the ITER site. Construction already started last year with the erection of the Poloidal Field Coils building and the excavation of the Tokamak complex, bringing together a workforce of 275 people. By late 2012, the personnel directly involved in construction is expected to grow by roughly four times exceeding 1,000 people and by mid-2014 it is expected to triple reaching its maximum capacity of 3 000. The ITER site will therefore have to be redeveloped to accommodate the needs of the rapidly growing workforce and guarantee an optimal use of space to the different companies operating on the ground in order to carry out the construction of all facilities in parallel and on time.
The planning and development of a road network connecting traffic lanes, bus routes, pedestrian ways and parking, is estimated to be in the range of 35,000m2 and is expected to be one of the first noticeable changes on the site. A parking area reaching the capacity of 700 spaces in total together with brand new fencing, gates and external lighting will also be one of the site’s improvements. An integrated system managing access to the site, putting an end to different protocols, will be deployed together with a new safety and security system. The wider distribution of power supply, potable water and provisions for both surface and waste water drainage will be carried out.
In order to meet the requirements of different contractors in terms of provisional offices, amenities, dining rooms and storage for equipment and materials COMSA EMTE will be in charge for redeveloping these areas accordingly. In parallel, a central canteen catering up to 1 500 meals per day will operate together an infirmary. Also in line with the health and safety recommendations, a helipad will be available.
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