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A consortium of fusion experts led by Atkins - a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group and energy transition specialists Assystem has been appointed by UK Atomic Energy Authority UKAEA as Engineering Delivery Partner to its pioneering Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production STEP programme as it seeks to demonstrate the commercial viability of fusion energy.The delivery partner will play a critical role in STEPs ambitions to design and build a commercial-scale prototype fusion energy plant by 2040 over the next two years completing a concept design is one of two key Tranche 1 objectives to achieve by 2024 that will enable UKAEA to proceed to future phases and meet its ambitious targets. Fusion technology has the potential to provide abundant low-carbon energy maintaining the UKs net zero efforts in the long-term and underpinning future energy security.The consortium is led by Atkins as prime contractor alongside international engineering and digital services firm Assystem. Atkins and Assystem have a long history of successful collaboration across nuclear and fusion energy projects including their work as architect-engineer for the international fusion energy project ITER through the Engage consortium. The STEP EDP consortium combines this world-leading expertise with specialist knowledge from partners across the supply chain fusion In-Vessel Component materials technology and safety specialist Oxford Sigma In Vessel Components and tritium specialists Kyoto Fusioneering and Ansaldo Nuclear. Combined the consortium will bring over 30 years experience in fusion delivery from across JET ITER STEP and DEMO.Christophe Junillon Managing Director of Nuclear Power EMEA for Atkins said The commercialization of fusion energy holds the key to unlocking an abundant source of safe clean energy that will power a net zero future and the ambitious STEP programme positions the UK as a global leader in such highly complex projects. A viable investible concept design is central to UKAEAs ambitions and Atkins is proud to extend our involvement in STEPs development through this consortium. Simon Barber UK Managing Director Assystem said The STEP project is a fantastic opportunity for the UK to continue its leading role in the global race to deliver a commercially viable fusion power plant. Assystems role in this delivery partner consortium for STEP builds on a long-term commitment to the development of UK fusion capability harnessing a blend of UK skills decades of experience on international fusion projects such as ITER and collaborating with UK fusion specialist SMEs.Tristram Denton Head of Commercial and Programme Development for STEP said Fusion has great potential to deliver safe sustainable low carbon energy for generations to come and STEP is leading the way. Its an ambitious programme operating at the forefront of science technology and engineering. Its clear we must make significant changes to address the effects of climate change and STEPs delivery partners will play a crucial role in our quest to making fusion a reality.The Consortium members have an established relationship with UKAEA Atkins was appointed Power Infrastructure Partner to STEP in May 2022 in addition to its roles as Commercial Pathways Partner Site Selection and Development Partner Cost Modelling Partner and developing STEPs Integrated Plant Solution to define a conceptual mechanical handling and maintenance strategy. Assystem is currently delivering the STEP shielding design project and has a wide range of in-vessel experience including pioneering the safe lithium breeder concept and robotics and remote handling expertise under the LongOps programme. The Consortium members have previously worked together to deliver wide-ranging projects released through UKAEAs Engineering Design Services EDS and Embedded Engineering Resources EER frameworks with both Atkins and Assystem holding Tier 1 positions.
