Since 2018, Actemium has been working on construction of the ESS, the future international neutron research centre, calling on the expertise of several VINCI Energies entities in a strategic long-term partnership.
Northeast of Lund in Sweden, an international scientific project is currently taking shape: the ESS, or European Spallation Source. Once complete, this ultramodern research centre will become the world’s most powerful source of neutrons, enabling the scientific community to explore the structure of materials at a scale never before achieved.
Dedicated to studying materials by the diffusion of neutrons obtained through the process of spallation, the ESS will house 15 cutting-edge scientific instruments, offering new perspectives in the life, materials and energy sciences.
Since 2018, Actemium has been playing a key role in the construction of this unique facility. Construction began in 2014, with the centre expected to enter full operation in 2028. The VINCI Energies industry brand is involved in this project through a framework contract signed in 2018 and recently renewed in 2024 for a further three years, with an option for two additional years. This long-term partnership will ensure the continuity, quality and diversity of the services provided on site.
“What makes our collaboration with the ESS unique is our ability to offer an extensive range of services while maintaining a high level of technical expertise in each of these fields,” says Per Persson, Project Manager at Actemium Sweden.
From small project to strategic partnership
The shared story of Actemium and the ESS begins modestly in 2017 with the completion of minor installations for an ESS subdivision called PSS (Personal Safety Systems). This initial experience immediately won over the ESS management. “We were recommended following this first project,” says Per Persson. “It proves that you have to take the small contracts seriously, because they can open unexpected doors.”
“VINCI Energies includes a multitude of business units with varied expertise. You just need to find the right combination for building an appropriate solution.”
This customer satisfaction helped Actemium secure one of the two initial electrical engineering framework contracts in 2018, before seeing its role expand over the years. Today, Actemium holds around 75% of the active framework contracts for the site.
For seven years, its teams have been providing a variety of solutions in mechanical engineering, instrumentation, power supply and mains-voltage electrical systems, design, safety, and project management – to name just a few. More than a hundred electrical cabinets and distribution boards have also been manufactured in Actemium’s own workshops.
The strength of the VINCI Energies network
The ESS project is now entering a new phase. “We are moving from structural work to commissioning and technical assistance with qualified technicians. It’s all about the reliability of the equipment and bringing it up to speed,” explains Per Persson.
The success of this project also depends on intelligent collaborative organisation. Actemium Process is overseeing the contract and the five associated VINCI Energies Group entities, which include Actemium Sweden, Emil Lundgren and Eitech. At VINCI Group level, nine entities have contributed to the ESS, including INAC and Elektro Kroon (VINCI Energies), and Nuvia (VINCI Construction).
“We also successfully formed a unified team despite the diversity of our companies,” says the project lead. “The fact that everyone is wearing the same clothing and operating under the Actemium banner enhances our credibility and our effectiveness in the customer’s eyes.”
For Per Persson, this illustrates what the VINCI Energies network can offer due to its intelligent mobilisation. “VINCI Energies includes a multitude of business units with varied expertise. You just need to find the right combination for building an appropriate solution. That’s exactly what we did here, and it made the difference.”
With many years still to go on this project, Actemium is positioned as a long-term strategic partner in a scientific project destined to shape the future of European research.
02/16/2026
