UKAEA researches fusion energy and related technologies, with the aim of positioning the UK as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy.

Nuclear fusion, the process that powers the sun, can play a big part in our carbon-free energy future. UKAEA manages the UK fusion programme at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy (CCFE) which is one of the world’s leading fusion research laboratories. Our scientists and engineers are working with partners around the globe to develop fusion as a new source of clean energy for tomorrow’s power stations.

UKAEA has hosted the JET (Joint European Torus) facility at Culham since its design started in 1973. First operation was in 1983 and since then it has set world records for plasma performance. UKAEA  operates JET under a contract with the European Commission, with the science programme managed by the EUROfusion consortium. The MAST facility, also based at Culham, is leading the world in research into tight aspect ratio tokamaks, and is currently undergoing a major upgrade.

UKAEA also has a vibrant technology programme, focused on key engineering issues for future fusion power plants.  These include the Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) robotics facility, the Materials Research Facility (MRF) and funding for new centres studying Tritium (H₃ Advanced Technology or H3AT) and component testing (Fusion Technology Facilities or FTF).

UKAEA is part of the Oxfordshire EPICS community which has meetings three or four times a year involving UKAEA, Diamond Light Source, the Central Laser Facility and the ISIS neutron and muon source.

For more information contact our EPICS team at all@EPICSsg.ukaea.uk.