Fusion for Energy (F4E) and COMSA EMTE, a Spanish company with a proven track record in the field of construction have signed a contract for building the ITER platform which aims to become one of Europe’s biggest engineering sites. The objective of the contract, which is expected to run for at least one year and with a budget of approximately €11 millions to make the necessary adaptations on the ITER site, deliver the required amenities for a workforce of 3,000 people.

COMSA EMTE, a Spanish company will build the next ITER platform. In addition, this company will be in charge of redeveloping the provisional offices, amenities, dining rooms and storage for equipment and materials in order to meet the requirements of different contractors. 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. Last year, the European Commission proposed an additional plan of funding for the ITER construction.

39 buildings and facilities will be built on the ITER site over the next eight years. 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.

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 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. 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. The wider distribution of power supply, potable water and provisions for both surface and waste water drainage will be carried out.