Fusion is an exciting part of nuclear’s sustainable future. UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)’s research into fusion energy and related technologies is driving the UK forwards as a global leader in sustainable nuclear energy.
And it’s not just the nuclear energy sector which will benefit. UKAEA’s mission is to positively impact the wider scientific and economic spheres also.
At their latest supplier’s event in September, the team updated on:
- The procurement policy
- JET Decommissioning and Repurposing
- Fusion Industry Programme
- Corporate Support Services
- Innovation
- Sustainability in the supply chain
With procurement spend projected to reach £200million in July 2024 – now is the time for businesses to engage with the fusion industry and become a part of its progress.
Our key takeaways
- Small but mighty – Supporting SMEs
Competing for public procurement as an SME is challenging. UKAEA is working to provide support to smaller companies, reducing barriers to entry for pre-commercial procurement via their Fusion Industry Programme Challenge scheme.
The scheme is intended for everyone part of the supply chain, including these smaller, but no less important, players. Pre-Commercial Procurement for the challenge scheme will make it easier for new and innovative players (SMEs/Start-ups) to enter the public procurement market.
Sam Orchard, Nuclear Supply Chain Specialist, supports the inclusive nature of the scheme.
“SMEs find it hard to compete with the larger, more seasoned players in the nuclear and fusion field. But as we focus more and more on innovation, at a time of fast paced change, SMEs can provide that new and creative way of doing things that will drive development forward at pace.”
UKAEA are planning on developing their SME Hub. To help shape this, UKAEA is holding a dedicated SME event, in collaboration with the Fusion Cluster. Stay up to date on their website.
- Innovation – extending beyond fusion
UKAEA has ambitions to extend the benefits of nuclear fusion into wider economic and technical spheres, whilst keeping in mind that our future may look different.
Part of the structure behind the new alternative fusion R&D package (£650 million until 2027) is aimed towards new facilities that will support innovation.
By highlighting the near-term benefits of fusion, including the commercial potential, and transferring technology from other sectors prior to deployment into fusion, UKAEA is putting innovation at the heart of what they do.
Corinne Matthews, Nuclear/Aeropsace Lead at Heart of the South West LEP, says “ It is more than apparent that these technologies are all encompassing, with opportunities across the whole of the UK to support the outstanding work going on in the fusion field. We have to work together to make energy more sustainable quicker, whilst accelerating development in other key sectors for economic and sustainable growth, such as aerospace, space and security.”
The Fusion Industry Programme is addressing the most pressing technical challenges affecting fusion energy development. To register your interest in upcoming opportunities as part of the programme contact FIPProcurement@ukaea.uk
- Sustainability
Fusion promises to be key to future low carbon energy production. And it is never too early to plan for that low carbon operational future.
On its journey to realising fusion, UKAEA has made commitments to carry out their research and development in an energy efficient way.
This includes improving the energy goals of their existing estate, constructing their campus with energy efficiency in mind and focusing on sustainability in the supply chain.
Fusion will transform our sustainable future
For more news and events from UKAEA, visit their website.
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