UK awards £70M ($95M) contract to Tokamak Energy to advance magnet systems for STEP fusion reactor development.
The UK’s push to build a working fusion power plant has moved closer to reality, as efforts shift from design to full-scale engineering and system validation.
In a major step in that direction, UK Fusion Energy Ltd has awarded a £70 million programme has recently transitioned from concept design to delivery, following government approval to move toward full plant development. This phase will focus on turning validated designs into integrated subsystems that can operate under real reactor conditions.
Magnets take center stage
Fusion reactors rely on powerful magnetic fields to contain and control plasma, making magnet systems one of the most complex engineering challenges. Tokamak Energy brings experience in high-field magnet development and operational fusion systems to help address this.
The company’s ST40 spherical tokamak has demonstrated strong plasma performance, reaching 1 mega amp plasma current and achieving one of the highest fusion triple products recorded in a privately operated device. It has also delivered high-performance campaigns, including sustained H-mode operation and lithium-assisted plasma scenarios.
In parallel, Tokamak Energy’s Demo4 high-temperature superconducting magnet system achieved 11.8 Tesla at cryogenic temperatures with seven million ampere turns. The system reproduces fusion-relevant magnetic conditions at a full tokamak configuration level, offering a platform to test magnet behavior under realistic conditions.
vFrom concept to delivery
The STEP programme has also reported progress in other areas over the past year. These include validation of the SuperX Divertor on MAST Upgrade, development of fusion-grade steel, and improvements in plasma confinement and magnet technologies.
In addition to technical work, the programme has integrated digital design tools through a new Product Lifecycle Management system and expanded its supplier base to over 500 companies, with 83 percent based in the UK. Site planning work at West Burton has also progressed, including geotechnical surveys and environmental assessments.
The partnership is expected to reduce risks in magnet development, one of the key barriers to building a working fusion power plant. Early testing of cooling systems, structural integrity, and multi-coil interactions could help streamline later design stages and avoid costly redesigns.
Dan Bishop, Chief Commercial Officer at UKFE, said, “This partnership is about delivering together. Tokamak Energy brings the complementary skills, facilities and experience to move at pace.”
Warrick Matthews, Tokamak Energy CEO, said, “Confirming our position in the UK’s world-leading fusion programme is a proud day for Tokamak Energy. HTS magnets are a transformative technology essential for delivering energy-producing fusion devices like STEP.”
Fusion Energy Plasma Confinement ST40 STEP Programme Superconducting Magnets Tokamak UKFE
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Trump's Energy Policy Shift Revives Coal, Threatening Renewable Energy TransitionThe Trump administration's energy policy is actively reversing the trend toward renewable energy by prioritizing coal, potentially increasing costs, polluting the air, and undermining climate change efforts. Emergency measures are being used to keep coal plants open, even as electricity demand surges due to data center growth and communities transition to renewables. This shift has significant consequences for energy costs, air quality, and efforts to combat climate change.
Read more »
Iran war’s global energy crisis sharpens China’s advantage in clean techHigher fuel prices are accelerating interest in EVs across Asia.
Read more »
Daily on Energy: The latest on the strait, NOAA funding controversy, and Venezuela newsWe are kicking off today’s newsletter with the latest on how Iran and the U.S. failed to reach a peace agreement over the weekend.
Read more »
Over one-third of 80 damaged Middle East energy sites severely hit: IEAMiddle East energy supply could take up to 2 years to recover to pre-crisis levels, says International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol.
Read more »
McDonald’s adding energy drinks, craft sodas to US menus, reports sayNew drinks could roll out to McDonald’s as early as next month. Here’s what to know.
Read more »
Illinois voters back plan to shift data center energy costs, poll findsIf your electric or water bill feels higher and you cannot quite explain why, a new Illinois poll points to data centers and growing demand, along with a proposed fix called the POWER Act.
Read more »