The University of Birmingham and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have partnered to develop materials that can better withstand the extreme conditions of fusion energy power plants. The partnership is a crucial step in making fusion commercially viable, as new materials will be required to withstand the highly energetic neutrons that are released by the fusion reactions. The UK is known for its leadership in the development of fusion technologies and the new partnership is expected to further boost the country’s position in this field.
The University of Birmingham’s School of Metallurgy and Materials has a proven track record in developing novel materials for extreme environments. The university recently commissioned its High Flux Accelerator-Driven Neutron facility, which will be used to study the damage sustained by materials in fusion machines. The MC40 Cyclotron facility at the university also makes it an ideal place to conduct research on materials in fusion energy power plants.
The UKAEA will sponsor a Chair in Fusion Materials at the University of Birmingham, which will help further the research on materials in fusion energy power plants. The partnership will allow UKAEA to use the university’s neutron source and work with its excellent team of scientists.
The completion of the STEP prototype fusion power plant by 2040 is a significant milestone in the development of fusion as a reliable and sustainable energy source. The power plant, which is being delivered by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS), will provide electricity to the grid from fusion energy.
The partnership between the UK Atomic Energy Authority and the University of Birmingham will play a crucial role in making fusion commercially viable by developing materials that can better withstand the extreme conditions of fusion energy power plants. The partnership will help to further the UK’s position as a world leader in developing fusion technologies and contribute to the development of fusion as a reliable and sustainable energy source.
The University of Birmingham and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have signed a new agreement to further their collaboration in the field of fusion energy development. The agreement will contribute to strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in this sector and marks a significant advancement in the development of fusion energy.
The focus of the partnership will be on carrying out irradiation studies on materials, developing new metal alloys that are more radiation-tolerant, and additive manufacturing of materials that can withstand ultra-high temperatures. These studies will help to answer complex questions about the future of fusion energy production, such as component qualification and plant availability metrics.
Additionally, the partnership will work to develop a pipeline of skilled fusion engineers for this growing sector. A Master of Research (MRes) degree in Materials for Fusion Energy has been established, which is expected to attract collaborations from a wider range of industrial partners. These partnerships will provide opportunities for students to work on research projects and gain valuable industry experience.
The agreement will also contribute to the UK’s efforts to commercialize fusion energy as a major source of low-carbon electricity for the second half of this century. Investments in fusion energy enable the development of new materials and technologies that can benefit a wide range of industries, including space, healthcare, and decommissioning.
UKAEA’s mission is to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximize scientific and economic benefits. The new Chair and partnership with the University of Birmingham will help to achieve this mission by advancing research in fusion energy and providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in the field.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
