Centrum výzkumu Řež (CVŘ) has received the Sustainability Champion award in the inaugural F4E Supply Chain Excellence Award 2026. Fusion for Energy (F4E) recognised the successful decontamination and adaptation of the experimental HELCZA facility, enabling the existing research infrastructure to be used for testing tungsten components for ITER, the world’s largest fusion experiment.
HELCZA (High Energy Load Czech Assembly) is a unique experimental facility designed to test materials and components under extreme thermal loads. It had previously been used for high-heat-flux testing of beryllium components. Its subsequent use for testing tungsten components therefore required the removal of residual beryllium contamination, followed by verification that the facility could be operated safely.
The CVŘ team decontaminated the premises, vacuum vessel, test equipment and other accessories. Components that could be safely decontaminated were retained, while materials that could not were removed. This made it possible to preserve and adapt the existing research infrastructure for further use rather than replacing it.
The effectiveness of the decontamination is demonstrated by tangible results. A total of 2,956 samples were collected and analysed throughout the process. Average beryllium contamination in the vacuum vessel fell from 131 µg/m² to 0.33 µg/m². A subsequent high-heat-flux test using a copper test piece confirmed that no measurable beryllium contamination was present either before or after testing. These results were also highlighted by the F4E judging panel.
Protecting workers and managing work involving beryllium in accordance with the ALARA principle were also essential parts of the project. This means keeping exposure as low as reasonably achievable. The measures adopted included controlled work zones, HEPA filtration, air and contamination monitoring, and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Adapting HELCZA also helped preserve European high-heat-flux testing capacity and the specialist expertise required for future test programmes. The facility can be used to test and qualify tungsten components exposed to high heat fluxes, including components intended for use in environments close to the plasma.
To deliver the European contribution to ITER and other fusion projects, F4E has worked with over 3,000 companies and laboratories across Europe. The F4E Supply Chain Excellence Award is an initiative recognising excellence across its supply chain. Its inaugural edition comprised five categories. In the Sustainability Champion category, won by CVŘ, the judging panel assessed environmental performance, measurable impact, social responsibility, capacity building and the replicability of the solution.
The award was announced on 29 October during the Big Science Business Forum 2026 in Maastricht. The forum brings together European companies, research organisations and other stakeholders involved in developing technologies and supplying Europe’s research infrastructures.
