Facts and Figures
- ESS will be the world’s most powerful neutron facility.
- The unique feature of ESS: The system will deliver very long and powerful neutron pulses (pulse length: 2.86 milliseconds).
- 17 European partner countries are involved in ESS.
- The total costs are estimated at 1.48 billion Euros.
- 25 to 40 neutron instruments will be available to researchers.
Timeline
1993
ESS Board is formed with 11 countries involved; the first ideas for a European spallation source are formulated.
1997
Concepts for ESS are created. Europe is still not ready for a decision.
1999
OECD recommends the construction of a spallation source in Europe.
2002
Discussions about location commence.
2003
Technical concepts for ESS are decided.
2005
Competition for location concentrates on Lund in Sweden, Bilbao in Spain and Debrecen in Hungary.
2009
The partner states agree on Lund as the location for ESS.
2010
Beginning of the Design-Update phase for ESS. Conceptual development of components and instruments for the facility.
2013
Commencement of facility construction.
2019
Installation and operation of the first instruments.
2025
Commencement of full user operation.
