Vandellòs II. | Author: Jorge Franganillo
The International Centre for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE) has successfully renewed its quality certification to provide engineering services for structural calculations to the nuclear power plants operated by the Ascó-Vandellós Nuclear Association (ANAV), the operator behind the main power plants in Catalonia.
The certification, issued in November 2025, validates CIMNE’s quality management system according to the UNE 73401:1995 standard. The independent evaluation confirmed CIMNE meets the rigorous technical and legal requirements to provide engineering evaluation services to ANAV’s facilities until, at least, October 2028, ensuring a safe and sustainable operation of nuclear power generation in Catalonia.
Supporting Critical Infrastructure
Specifically, the certification enables CIMNE to continue providing specialized structural calculations that are essential for the safe operation of ANAV’s three nuclear reactors: Ascó I, Ascó II, and Vandellós II. These facilities collectively supply an average of 56% of Catalonia’s energy and contribute 10% of Spain’s emission-free electricity generation.
Since the early 1990s, CIMNE experts have worked alongside ANAV to ensure the structural integrity and safety of Spain’s nuclear power facilities through advanced numerical modelling and computational analysis.
CIMNE’s work encompasses sophisticated analyses of reactor containment buildings, seismic resilience assessments, and failure pressure evaluations, all critical components in maintaining the strict safety standards mandatory by nuclear regulations. Experts from multiple research clusters at CIMNE take part in this endeavour.
The centre’s research has been particularly instrumental in supporting ANAV’s transition to Long Term Operation (LTO), which extends the operational lifespan of nuclear facilities beyond their initial 40-year design period. Through scientific validation using advanced computational tools such as the PLCd code (PLastic Crack dynamic), CIMNE has helped demonstrate the continued structural integrity of aging infrastructure.
Environmental and Economic Impact
During the period from 2020 to 2023 alone, ANAV’s operations prevented approximately 44 million tons of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to 34% of Spain’s total CO₂ emissions from electrical generation.
This partnership also safeguarded 920 direct jobs at ANAV while enabling substantial research and development investment in advanced engineering solutions.
International Recognition
CIMNE’s work in nuclear safety extends beyond its partnership with ANAV. The centre has participated in international benchmarks such as Électricité de France’s VeRCoRs project, where its numerical-experimental analyses have validated the performance of nuclear containment structures.
Both the Spanish Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have verified and endorsed CIMNE’s analyses, confirming their alignment with stringent international safety standards.
