UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and global energy leader Eni have announced a new agreement aimed at speeding research and development towards fusion power. The agreement begins with the creation of the world’s largest plant for a tritium fuel cycle, the key to fuelling next generation fusion power stations. The “UKAEA-Eni H3AT (Heat) Tritium Loop Facility” will be developed at Culham Campus and is scheduled for completion by 2028.
A Key Milestone in Fusion Energy Development
Tritium, being a vital fuel for the production of fusion energy, is at the center of running future fusion power plants. Recyclable and reusable tritium will become essential in fueling these power plants cost-effectively and environmentally friendly in the years to come. UKAEA and Eni will work together on maximizing tritium handling, processing, storing, and also recycling, paving the way for the reality of fusion power.
Fusion power, which replicates the process that warms the Sun, has the potential to transform energy generation around the world. Fusion takes two forms of hydrogen isotopes and burns them under intense pressure and heat to generate helium, releasing vast quantities of emissions-free energy. The process is cleaner, safer, and also practically limitless, and as such forms part of the de-carbonization and world energy security.
Kerry McCarthy, the UK Climate Minister, said, “We are proud to be at the forefront of global innovation in clean energy fusion technologies, and this collaboration with Eni marks a significant step towards unlocking the potential of fusion energy, supporting our missions for economic growth, clean power and energy independence.”
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A World-Class Facility for Research and Innovation
The UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility will serve as a premier research center for exploring tritium’s role in fusion energy. Additionally, the facility will provide valuable insights into processing and recycling tritium for use in fusion reactors. This collaboration will develop advanced fusion energy solutions and also promote skills transfer to foster new expertise in the sector.
In addition, Eni will be a central partner in H3AT with the capability of managing large-scale projects and de-risking the development of fusion. The union brings together the fusion research capacity of UKAEA with the engineering skills of Eni, significantly advancing the development of fusion energy.
