International

ITER aims to demonstrate the scientific and technical feasibility of nuclear fusion with a Tokamak reactor being built in Cadarache, France, with participation from the EU, Japan, the United States, Russia, China, India, and South Korea. CIEMAT actively participates in this project thought the Fusion National Laboratory, a department of CIEMAT. Besides, Spain's participation is particularly significant, with Barcelona hosting the headquarters of Fusion for Energy, a key component of the ITER project.

The SET-Plan defines the European strategy to maintain leadership in low-carbon energy technologies. It relies on two main instruments: European Industrial Initiatives (EII), which align industrial efforts with EU priorities, and the European Energy Research Alliance (EERA), which aims to strengthen European research capacities. CIEMAT represents Spain on the EERA Executive Committee and participates in the Solar, Wind, and Bioenergy industrial initiatives. It also supports Spanish involvement in the SET Plan Steering Group.

The IAEA promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy. CIEMAT coordinates Spain’s collaboration with the agency in areas such as nuclear safety, nuclear medicine, isotope hydrology, and technical training.

The NEA is an intergovernmental agency within the OECD that promotes cooperation among countries with advanced nuclear infrastructure to ensure safe, sustainable, and responsible nuclear energy use. CIEMAT actively collaborates with NEA by representing Spain in various technical committees and working groups, covering areas like nuclear safety, radioactive waste management, new fuel and reactor research, and expert training.

EURATOM was established to coordinate research and promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy in Europe. CIEMAT closely collaborates with EURATOM in R&D projects related to nuclear fusion, safe fission, radioactive waste management, and radiological protection. Through this partnership, CIEMAT joins European consortia, provides technical and scientific expertise, and advances sustainable nuclear technologies that support the EU energy transition.

The IEA is an intergovernmental organization promoting secure, sustainable, and accessible global energy policies. CIEMAT collaborates with the IEA in technical and scientific activities, especially through multilateral Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCP), contributing its expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and nuclear technologies to support global energy transition strategies.

The ICRP is an independent organization that issues scientific recommendations for protecting people and the environment from ionizing radiation effects. CIEMAT actively engages with ICRP through expert group participation and application of its guidelines in research and technical development. This collaboration allows CIEMAT to contribute to the improvement of international radiation protection criteria and to ensure that its scientific activities are aligned with the highest safety standards.

IRENA is an intergovernmental organization promoting the global adoption of renewable energy. CIEMAT cooperates with IRENA by sharing technical knowledge, developing strategic studies, and promoting clean technologies, particularly in solar, wind, and green hydrogen. This partnership supports CIEMAT’s commitment to energy transition and contributes to global decarbonization through innovative policy and technology initiatives.

The AMS experiment includes a particle detector designed to study dark matter, antimatter, and cosmic rays in space. CIEMAT has collaborated on the AMS project since its inception, contributing to the design, construction, and data analysis of the detector. This collaboration leverages CIEMAT’s expertise in particle physics and advanced technologies to advance cosmic research from the unique ISS platform.

Mission Innovation is a global initiative launched in 2015 during COP21 to accelerate clean energy innovation and make it affordable, attractive, and accessible to all. Member countries and organizations commit to doubling public investments in clean technology R&D. Spain participates via the MICIU, and CIEMAT contributes technical support and takes part in strategic areas such as solar energy, clean hydrogen, and industrial decarbonization, applying its R&D expertise to support global energy transition projects.