UKAEA funds 18 organisations to help make fusion reality

Ranging from £50,000 up to £200,000, the grants form the second cycle of the authority’s Fusion Industry Programme launched in 2021 and are awarded via the Government Small Business Research Initiative platform.

UKAEA’s chief technology officer Tim Bestwick stated: “In the past 12 months we have seen significant advances both in the UK and globally that demonstrate the potential for fusion energy to be a safe, low-carbon and sustainable part of the world’s future energy supply.

“However, there are a number of significant technical challenges to address for fusion energy to realise its potential. The Fusion Industry Programme is helping engage organisations and industrial partners to stimulate innovation and address these important challenges.”

Projects must address solutions and innovative technology to tackle specific challenges linked to the commercialisation of fusion energy, These can include new fusion materials, manufacturing techniques, heating and cooling systems, or any aspects required for future fusion powerplants.

The Fusion Industry Programme was allocated a sizeable portion of the £484 million support for UK research announced by Government last year, with its share amounting to more than £42 million. 

Beneficiaries include start-ups, SMEs, established companies and academic bodies. One third are first time recipients of FIP funding. The full list of recipients includes:

CAL GAVIN

TWI Ltd

IDOM (UK) Ltd

University of Manchester

University of Birmingham – FATHOM

Full Matrix Ltd 

Alloyed Ltd – AMRSAF

QDOT Technology Ltd

Astral Neutronics Ltd

Laser Additive Solutions Ltd – AM4F 

Archer Technicoat Ltd – BROCCOLi

Oxford Sigma

3-SCI Ltd

Fraser-Nash Consultancy

Castings Technology International Ltd – TITAN

Duality Quantum Photonics Ltd – TRONN

Swansea University – RADIANT 

Jacobs UK Ltd

Pic: MAST-U fusion energy machine at UKAEA's Culham Campus (SMD Photography)