Name of the Project
Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).

Location
UK.

Project Owner/s
UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).

Project Description
The STEP is the UK’s ambitious programme to design and build a prototype fusion plant. It will demonstrate the commercial viability of fusion.

Most fusion reactors are built in the shape of a ring doughnut, while the spherical plant is shaped more like a cored apple. This shape improves efficiency in the magnetic field and potentially reduces the plant’s cost. 

The plant is expected to be smaller than other current fusion programmes under development, such as the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor.

The project will be developed in phases.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to support thousands of new highly skilled jobs.

Capital Expenditure
£222-million has been allocated to begin the STEP design work.

Planned Start/End Date
The proposed plant is targeted for completion by 2040.

Latest Developments
A consortium of fusion experts – led by Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, and energy transition specialists Assystem – has been appointed by UKAEA as engineering delivery partner to its pioneering STEP programme to demonstrate the commercial viability of fusion energy.

The delivery partner will play a crucial role in STEP’s ambitions to design and build a commercial-scale prototype fusion energy plant over the next two years by 2040. Completing a concept design is one of two key Tranche 1 objectives to achieve by 2024 that will enable the UKAEA to proceed to future phases and meet its ambitious targets.

Fusion technology has the potential to provide abundant, low-carbon energy – maintaining the UK’s 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.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Cerberus Nuclear and Assystem (STEP reactor in-board shield design); Atkins and Assystem (engineering delivery partner), including Oxford Sigma (fusion in-vessel component materials technology and safety), Kyoto Fusioneering  (in-vessel components and tritium specialist).

Contact Details for Project Information
UKAEA, tel +44 1235 528822 or email mediaenquiry@ukaea.uk