The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Sheffield have announced a partnership that will drive the development of fusion technology and the UK’s future fusion industry.
The collaboration will focus on addressing the fundamental engineering challenges around future fusion powerplants through research.
The partnership will see Sheffield appoint two Chairs in fusion technology and materials to establish new research programmes to address global fusion challenges.
The Chair in Qualification for Fusion will address fundamental engineering challenges in the qualification of components, fabricated assemblies, and systems for use within future fusion powerplants.
The Chair in Fusion Materials will focus on innovation in materials design and processing to improve powerplant performance and the decommissioning and recycling of new materials developed.
Both Chairs will work closely with UKAEA staff and the University of Sheffield Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Rotherham, part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
The University’s Faculty of Engineering will host the two Chairs. UKAEA has chosen to work with the University because of its expertise and strong track record in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing research, which are crucial for developing new low-carbon technologies.
As part of the partnership, UKAEA will also collaborate with the University’s UK-leading research in thermal hydraulics, a key research area in the development of fusion as an energy source.
Dr Amanda Quadling, Director of Materials Research at UKAEA, said that the partnership would help to address intrinsic engineering and materials challenges in order to make fusion energy commercially viable.
It will also develop a pipeline of talent for the future of the thriving fusion industry.
Professor Jim Litster, Vice-President for Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said that developing strong external partnerships is a key part of the Faculty of Engineering’s strategy.
With the University, UKAEA’s Fusion Technology Facility in Rotherham, and the STEP prototype fusion powerplant site at West Burton, Nottinghamshire, all in relatively close proximity to one another, the partnership will develop a strong regional focus on fusion excellence in South Yorkshire and surrounding regions.
Harnessing the research strength of northern universities, such as Sheffield, is crucial if the UK is going to transition to low-carbon energy sources and protect its energy supply over the long-term.
It is expected that the two positions will attract collaborations from a wider range of industrial partners who will be able to sponsor students and work in partnership with them on research projects.
Stephen Wheeler, Director of Fusion Technology, UKAEA, said that partnering with the University of Sheffield to launch a new Chair in this field will accelerate the application of cutting edge techniques from across all sectors of engineering and the development of new experimental and digital techniques specific to fusion.
The UKAEA’s Fusion Technology Facility based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, South Yorkshire, is enabling the organization to access and grow regional capabilities to support the delivery of fusion.
This includes local skills development from schools to universities and also the world-class capabilities within the local manufacturing supply chain.
The agreement aims to bolster the UK’s strong position in commercializing fusion energy as a major source of low carbon electricity for the second half of this century.
Finance invested in fusion energy enables new materials and technologies to be developed that can benefit not just fusion energy, but also a wide range of industries including space, healthcare, and decommissioning.
UKAEA’s mission is to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximize scientific and economic benefit.
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