UKAEA and Sheffield Uni partner for fusion

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Sheffield are partnering to drive fusion technology and its future industry.

The collaboration will see Sheffield appoint two Chairs in fusion research and development.

The Chair in Qualification for Fusion will address fundamental engineering challenges in the qualification of components, fabricated assemblies and systems for fusion powerplants.

The Chair in Fusion Materials will focus on innovation in materials design and processing to improve powerplant performance, as well as the decomissioning and recycling of materials.

Both Chairs will work closely with the UKAEA and the University of Sheffield Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham, which is part of the UK's High Value Manufacturing Catapult that brings research to market.

The Faculty of Engineering will host the two Chairs and the UKAEA will also collaborate with the University's research into thermal hydraulics.

Dr Amanda Quadling, Director of Materials Research at UKAEA, says, 'This partnership 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.'