Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP)

Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) is a UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) led programme that will demonstrate the ability to generate net electricity from fusion.

Our vision is to be “The delivery partner of choice for fusion technology developers, integrating science and engineering by using people, data and technology to accelerate safe, secure and stable energy from fusion”.

In addition to demonstrating the commercial viability of fusion by building a prototype power plant, the STEP programme also aims to build a world-leading fusion industry within the UK which can export technology and skills around the world in the decades to come.

STEP will be built at West Burton in the UK’s midlands, at the site of a former coal power station. The programme is currently in Tranche 1, aiming to develop a viable conceptual design prior to the programme continuing towards a target operational date of 2040.

Our Role

Atkins has been a strategic supplier to the programme since its launch in 2019. We hold key positions across the programme:

• Tranche 1 Engineering Delivery Partner: We are the lead organisation within the Tranche 1 EDP consortium, alongside our partners Assystem, Ansaldo Nuclear, Kyoto Fusioneering and Oxford Sigma. Bringing together major engineering expertise alongside specialist fusion knowledge, we are integral to STEP’s Plant Architecture, Integration and Validation (PAIV) and In-Vessel Component (IVC) design teams.
• Site Selection and Development Partner: We worked with UKAEA to recommend selecting West Burton as the home for STEP, from the longlist of 15 sites.
• Cost Modelling Partner: Leveraging the world-leading capabilities of our Faithful+Gould business, we are developing full plant cost estimates for this first of a kind facility.
• Commercial Pathways Partner: We are looking beyond the prototype plant to the commercial roll-out of fusion energy in the UK and globally.
• Power Infrastructure Process Engineering Partner: Our team is developing the thermal to electric conversion cycle for STEP, alongside design of the heating and cooling systems.

Challenges

The global fusion energy industry has experienced a period of rapid growth in recent years. Technological and scientific advancements have changed perceptions around the viability of fusion as an energy source.

The industry is starting to transition from being science-led to engineering-led, and this presents challenges to organisations like the UKAEA who are traditionally more focused on Research & Development rather than major programme delivery.

Atkins has been able to fulfil a role as a key delivery partner through our understanding of the fundamental challenges posed by fusion technology alongside our experience delivering both nuclear and conventional major infrastructure projects.

Some of the key challenges associated with commercialising fusion energy which we have supported:

• Identifying the roadmap for an appropriate regulatory regime which recognises the safety consequences of fusion technology.
• Ensuring commercial viability of the plant through having a maintainable design with high availability
• Selecting and utilising novel materials which can withstand the environmental conditions while not contributing to a waste legacy
• Managing Tritium safely throughout the fuel cycle and wider design

Our Approach

Although we are not fusion scientists, we see ourselves as the practical integrator that can help progress fusion towards commercialisation. Drawing on over ten years’ experience as the Architect Engineer to the ITER fusion programme in France through our Engage Joint Venture, we have:

• Mobilised broad, multi-disciplinary teams from across our UK offices, from Bristol to Glasgow.
• Collaborated extensively with wider industry and academia, including working with over 20 different organisations over the course of the programme.
• Invested in fusion specific training and recruitment, including sending our staff to the Fusion Industry School and establishing offices on the Culham campus to be close to our client.
• Demonstrated our commitment to supporting UKAEA’s social value objectives.

Key Outcomes

• Atkins has provided essential support to the programme throughout Tranche 1 and look forward to this continuing into 2024.
• We are recognised by UKAEA as a Strategic Supplier.
• We are committed to the programme and want to be supporting it into Tranche 2 and beyond.
• We recognise that STEP is a prototype and needs to be followed by commercial plants to maximise the return on investment the UK government is making. This will need collaboration across the supply chain and a skilled workforce to overcome the challenges that will be faced.
• We are creating a centre of excellence for fusion skills in the North of the UK, close to the West Burton site.
• We are developing a new generation of engineers equipped to support the programme as it moves into the next phases, and make commercial fusion energy a reality.