Research Areas
Computing
Fusion research is computationally demanding, and we are dedicated to addressing key computing challenges, developing a network with leading specialists in the UK, and embracing new and emerging ideas to move the digital capability of fusion forwards.
Materials
The materials used in a fusion power station will need to retain their mechanical and thermal properties for months or years, resisting high fluxes of neutrons and heat. Understanding and developing materials for use in power station components is therefore an important part of fusion R&D.
Plasma Science
The Plasma Science programme covers fundamental research in the physics of tokamak plasmas through a portfolio of experimental, theoretical, analysis and modelling based activities conducted by a diverse range of experts.
Robotics
A fusion power plant in or after operation will be a hostile environment for human operators, and alternative solutions to maintenance, servicing, inspection and decommissioning will be necessary. Designing and developing robotics and applied artificial intelligence (AI) technology for fusion and other challenging environments that make it possible to carry out tasks in hazardous and extreme environments where hands-on intervention is undesirable.
STEP
The mission of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme is to “Deliver a UK prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040, and a path to commercial viability of fusion”. The programme builds on the UK’s fusion leadership and engages both industry and academia across the nation.
Technology
Developing, designing and fabricating the technology needed for a fusion power plant is a challenge given its exacting environment. High energy neutrons, high magnetic fields, strong temperature gradients and a range of other factors create a need for innovative design, manufacture, and testing processes to deliver the technological and structural components of a fusion reactor.
Tritium
Tritium is the radioactive isotope of hydrogen used to fuel the fusion reaction alongside the non-radioactive isotope deuterium (extractable from natural water). Being lighter than other elements, hydrogen isotopes are able to permeate materials easily. These factors mean that designing tritium systems for fusion is challenging and requires dedicated research and innovation.