The leading experts in nuclear industry, science, and technology in Spain gathered in Cáceres for the 51st Annual Meeting of the Spanish Nuclear Society (SNE), held from September 22 to 26. Our colleagues from GDES attended this meeting between professionals and companies in the sector, where not only current issues in the nuclear field were discussed, but also high-level technical papers, presentations, and projects were showcased.

The meeting brought together more than 700 professionals from the nuclear sector and hosted over 300 technical presentations, organized into areas such as engineering, R&D&I, nuclear safety, maintenance, and nuclear medicine, among others.

Additionally, sessions led by national and international experts were held to analyze the most innovative projects in the nuclear field. Among the highlighted topics were the defense of continued operation of the Spanish nuclear fleet—with the Almaraz plant as a benchmark—the socioeconomic aspects of nuclear energy, and its strategic role in the face of growing energy demand driven by data centers.

A comparative and updated view on the extension of nuclear power plant lifespans was also presented, a well-established international practice that helps address the challenges of energy transition and ensures supply security.

This year, GDES had a particularly active participation with a strong technical profile in the presentation program:

• • Roberta Gargiulo, Project Manager, presented “Decommissioning of Steam Generators at Latina NPP”, addressing the challenge of dismantling six steam generators at the Latina plant and the application of an innovative confinement and cutting methodology that ensures radiological safety, efficiency, and waste reduction.
  • Miriam Jiménez, Project Manager, presented “Mobile Temporary Borating Device (MTBD)”, an innovative mobile solution to increase boron concentration in pools and primary circuits, especially in response to the introduction of MOX and URE fuels in French plants.
  • Joan Romeu, Project Technician, presented “Mobile Device for Injection of Highly Borated Water”, a compact and transportable equipment that allows targeted injections in EPR reactors, ensuring isotopic control of boron and enhancing operational safety.
  • José Ignacio Roselló, Technical Innovation Manager, participated in the presentation by José Ignacio Alútiz Ruisánchez – ANAV – “Automated Compensatory Fire Surveillance”, showcasing the automated system developed by GDES, based on multi-criteria sensors and computer vision, validated according to UNE and NFPA standards, which complements on-site surveillance by improving efficiency, safety, and reducing radiation exposure.
  • Julián Mendoza, Director of Quality, Safety and CSR, presented “Methodology for Applying the Graded Approach to Nuclear Quality and Safety Requirements”, a proposal aligned with IAEA principles and ISO 19443, complementary to ISO 9001:2015, optimizing processes without compromising safety, with practical examples in document management, inspections, and supplier control.
  • Lucía Gómez presented “Solidarity in Action: The Nuclear Sector’s Response to the Valencia DANA 2024”, awarded as the best presentation in the Communication and Training category for its technical quality and contribution to the sector. The talk described how the nuclear industry mobilized after the March 2024 DANA, coordinating technical resources and volunteers to help those affected, demonstrating the value of alliances and the sector’s response capacity.