Wedoany.com Report-Aug. 6, The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has introduced a £9 million ($12 million) ‘Embedded Engineering Resource Framework’ to support fusion energy research. This four-year program, a continuation of previous efforts, strengthens the national supply chain by embedding engineers from seven companies—Amentum Clean Energy, AtkinsRėalis, BakerHicks, Demcon Multiphysics, Frazer Nash Consultancy, Optima Systems Consultancy, and Oxford Sigma—into UKAEA projects. These firms contribute expertise in mechanical, electrical, materials, and systems engineering.

Gary Stables, Engineering Frameworks Contract Project Manager at UKAEA, said: “The embedded engineers help to progress key fusion projects, while gaining valuable skills and experience in fusion. Boosting fusion expertise across the engineering sector is vital for the development of fusion energy and maximising the benefits to industry.” The framework has supported projects like JET decommissioning, the Mega Amp spherical tokamak upgrade, and the materials research facility, embedding over 80 engineers.

Separately, UKAEA has adopted 3D printing at its new central support facility to create components for fusion machines. Two machines, an eMELT electron beam additive machine from Freemelt and an SLM280 selective laser machine from Nikon SLM, produce complex components using materials like tungsten, stainless steel, and Eurofer 97. These technologies address the precision and material challenges of fusion plants, supporting the development of tailored, low-volume components for future fusion technology.