The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM – Strålsäkerhetsmyndigheten) has authorised the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund to begin test operation of the entire accelerator. In October 2023, ESS applied for a permit for test operation of the superconducting part of the accelerator. SSM has now concluded that the ESS has met the conditions necessary to start the test operation.
“We have conducted a review in a number of areas and also approved a so-called radiation protection expert function at ESS,” said Peter Frisk, authority specialist at SSM. “The function consists of six people who will advise on radiation protection issues.” SSM will supervise the test operation.
Separate permits will be required for test operation with neutron production and for routine operation. ESS plans to apply for a permit for test operation with neutron production at the end of 2024.
The ESS plant comprises a neutron source that can be likened to a huge microscope for molecular structures. It makes it possible to study materials down to the smallest component and is therefore useful in areas such as medicine, biology, chemistry, physics and technology.
SSM’s review involves several steps. The first step, an overall permit examination of the application for activities with ionising radiation, was completed in 2014. The second step focused on construction of the plant and permits for this were granted in 2017 and 2022. The third step involves test operation of the plant. Permission for the first part of the accelerator was granted in 2020 and now test operation of the remaining parts of the accelerator has been granted. The next step concerns intentional neutron production.
