Collaboration to accelerate development of fusion technology
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and University of Sheffield have entered a partnership intended to drive development of fusion technology and the UK’s future fusion industry.
The collaboration will see Sheffield appoint two chairs in fusion research and development. Both roles will establish new research programmes to address global fusion challenges.
Fusion is the process which occurs at the centre of stars; it is the source of light and heat emitted by the Sun.
The position of 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 position of 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, which helps to move cutting-edge research from universities into the commercial market.
The university’s Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical 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.
UKAEA will also collaborate with the university’s 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: “We are pleased to partner with the University of Sheffield.
“This 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.”
Professor Jim Litster, vice-president for engineering at the university, said: “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, 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.”
It is expected 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: “The challenge of how we test and qualify components for future use in a fusion environment is critical for the delivery of a fusion powerplant.
“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.”
Charles Carpenter, chief technology officer at the Nuclear AMRC, added: “Fusion power will be an essential part of the UK’s long-term energy future, but turning the science into commercial reality presents huge challenges to researchers, engineers and manufacturers.
“This new partnership will help UKAEA to draw on the University of Sheffield’s research excellence in engineering and materials, and its world-leading centres for advanced manufacturing innovation and industrial collaboration.”