The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has partnered with the University of Sheffield to drive the development of fusion technology in the UK.
The research collaboration will focus on the fundamental engineering challenges around future fusion power plants.
Through the appointment of 2 UK Chairs in fusion technology and materials at Sheffield and building on the UKAEA’s facilities already in Rotherham, the aim is to make the region a centre of excellence in fusion R&D.
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.
Meanwhile 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.
“We are pleased to partner with the University of Sheffield. Their Department of Materials Science and Engineering has a combination of process innovation capabilities, metals performance testing and high calibre microscopy skills which will complement our post-irradiation activities,” said Dr Amanda Quadling, Director of Materials Research at UKAEA.
“This partnership will 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 our thriving fusion industry.”
Both Chairs will work closely with UKAEA staff and the University of Sheffield Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) in Rotherham. This is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which helps to move cutting-edge research from universities into the commercial market.
“Here at Sheffield we have a long track record of world-leading research excellence across materials science, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and low-carbon energy research. This is coupled with successful translation into industry and UK government policy,” added Professor Jim Litster, Vice-President for Engineering at the University of Sheffield.
“Developing strong external partnerships is a key part of our 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 [pictured], 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 ours at Sheffield, is crucial if the UK is going to transition to low-carbon energy sources and protect its energy supply over the long-term.”
UKAEA stated that finance invested in fusion energy will enable 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.
