Skip to main content

Culham to Host Construction of Tokamak Demo Fusion Reactor

Tokamak Energy is to build a prototype compact spherical tokamak, the ST80-HTS, at the UK Atomic Energy Authority's (UKAEA's) Culham Campus, near Oxford, England. The fusion device - with power plant-relevant magnet technology - will demonstrate multiple technologies required for the delivery of clean, sustainable fusion energy.

A cutaway of the ST80-HTS (Image: Tokamak Energy)

Constructing the new purpose-built facility at the Culham Campus - part of the thriving UK Fusion Cluster - provides the Tokamak with access to leading science and engineering capabilities, including knowledge and experience in designing, constructing and operating the record-breaking Joint European Torus (JET).

Designs for the facility are under way in partnership with construction consultants McBains, with build completion planned for 2026.

Oxfordshire-based Tokamak's ST80-HTS will target the significantly longer pulse durations needed for sustained high power output in commercially competitive fusion power plants. It will also inform the design of its ST-E1 fusion pilot plant, which will demonstrate the capability to deliver electricity into the grid in the early 2030s – demonstrating up to 200 MW of net electrical power.

"Today's exciting announcement is a major step forward on our mission to demonstrate grid-ready fusion energy by the early 2030s," said Tokamak Energy CEO Chris Kelsall. "Our next device, ST80-HTS, aims to validate key engineering solutions needed to make commercial fusion a reality and will showcase our world-class magnet technology at scale. It's clear public and private partnerships of this nature will be a crucial catalyst for fusion to deliver global energy security and mitigate climate change."

"Our ability to host major facilities extends right across the supply chain from design to decommissioning," said UKAEA CEO Ian Chapman. "The announcement is testament to Culham's attractiveness for fusion development as we welcome Tokamak Energy to the cluster on the Campus."

In October last year, UKAEA and Tokamak Energy signed a five-year framework agreement for closer collaboration "on developing spherical tokamaks as a route to commercial fusion energy". The agreement includes joint technology development, shared utilisation of equipment and secondment of staff and will focus on materials development and testing, power generation, fuel cycle, diagnostics and remote handling.

Earlier this month, Tokamak announced it had built a world-first set of new generation high-temperature superconducting magnets to be assembled and tested in fusion power plant-relevant scenarios.

The company's current ST40 fusion device in nearby Milton Park, Oxfordshire, has recently been upgraded to enable experiments relating to future features that will be incorporated in both ST80-HTS and ST-E1. Last year it achieved a 100 million degrees Celsius fusion plasma - the highest temperature ever recorded in a compact spherical tokamak.

Tokamak Energy's roadmap is for commercial fusion power plants deployed in the mid-2030s. To get there the plan is for completion of ST80-HTS in 2026 "to demonstrate the full potential of high temperature superconducting magnets" and to inform the design of its fusion pilot plant, ST-E1, which is slated to demonstrate the capability to deliver electricity - producing up to 200 MW of net electrical power - in the early 2030s.

There are a number of fusion facilities sited at, or planned, for the UKAEA's Culham facility. UKAEA last month signed an agreement with First Light Fusion for the design and construction of a facility to house the company's new net energy gain demonstrator, Machine 4, at Culham. Earlier South Oxfordshire District Council planning committee gave the go ahead for construction of Canada-based General Fusion's Fusion Demonstration Plant on the same campus. The 10,500-square-metre building will house the fusion machine which is expected to be commissioned in 2026.

The UKAEA carries out fusion energy research on behalf of the UK government, overseeing the country's fusion programme, including the MAST Upgrade (Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak) experiment as well as hosting the JET at Culham, which is operated for scientists from around Europe.

UKAEA is developing its own fusion power plant design with plans to build a prototype known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, which is due to begin operating by 2040.

Source: (World Nuclear News)


"Upgrade Your Skills with the Future of Energy: Enroll Now in Our Online Short Course on Next-Generation Nuclear Technology and Renewable Energy Technology"

March Intake ongoing Register here

Email:info@alphaxioms.com
Tel: +254798197599
website: Alphaxioms.com
Twitter:  Alphaxioms
LinkedIn: alphaxioms



Comments

Hot Topics

Fervo Energy Pushes Boundaries with 15,000-FT, 500°F Geothermal Well

Fervo Energy Pushes Boundaries with 15,000-FT, 500°F Geothermal Well — Ushering in a New Era for Enhanced Geothermal Systems June 10, 2025 – By Robert Buluma In a stunning feat of engineering and innovation, Fervo Energy has announced the successful drilling and logging of its Sugarloaf appraisal well, marking a monumental leap in the advancement of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS). Clocking in at an impressive 15,765 feet of true vertical depth and aiming for a bottomhole temperature of 520°F , this well not only sets new records but also firmly positions geothermal energy as a major player in the clean energy race. Breaking Records, Redefining Possibilities What makes this well particularly revolutionary is Fervo’s drastic 79% reduction in drilling time — completing the ultradeep well in just 16 days compared to the U.S. Department of Energy’s baseline expectations. Along the way, the company shattered several drilling records, including: Bit run length: 3,290 feet Average rate...

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico

Meta and XGS Energy Partner on 150 MW Geothermal Power Project in New Mexico A Game-Changer for AI, Clean Energy, and the Future By Robert Buluma – Alphaxioms Energy Blog In a bold move that signals the future of energy and technology convergence, XGS Energy and Meta Platforms, Inc. have announced a groundbreaking agreement to develop 150 megawatts (MW) of next-generation geothermal energy in New Mexico. This partnership not only promises to reshape the state's energy landscape but also underscores the growing demand for sustainable, round-the-clock power to fuel the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven economies. Clean Power Without Water – XGS’s Unique Edge At the heart of this partnership lies XGS Energy’s proprietary solid-state geothermal technology. Unlike traditional geothermal systems that rely heavily on water and specific geological conditions, XGS’s innovation enables electricity production from hot, dry rock  with zero operating water use. This water-inde...

Geothermal Colonialism or Global Partnership?

The Ethics of Foreign Investment in African Geothermal Resources By:  Robert Buluma Beneath the surface of Africa lies a force powerful enough to revolutionize the continent's energy future: geothermal energy. With its promise of clean, sustainable, and reliable baseload power, geothermal is no longer just a hidden treasure it's a strategic resource. Yet, as the interest of foreign investors grows in the Rift Valley and beyond, so do the ethical questions. Are these investments empowering Africa or quietly replicating patterns of resource exploitation? This article delves deep into the ethical implications of foreign investment in Africa's geothermal sector. We explore case studies across the continent, highlight emerging concerns, and present a framework for ensuring that Africa benefits from its geothermal riches without surrendering control or sovereignty. The African Geothermal Boom: A Global Attraction Africa, particularly along the East African Rift System (EARS)...

Iceland Heats Up the Canaries: Reykjavík Geothermal to Ignite Tenerife’s First Geothermal Drilling This Autumn

In a bold and historic leap towards clean energy, Tenerife is gearing up for its first-ever geothermal drilling for energy production , thanks to a visionary collaboration led by Reykjavík Geothermal (RG) of Iceland and local energy giant DISA .  By:  Robert Buluma The project marks a seismic shift in how the Canary Islands approach renewable energy quite literally. As the autumn breeze begins to roll in over the volcanic landscapes of Tenerife, drilling rigs will roar to life , signaling the dawn of a geothermal revolution in the region. This isn’t just another renewable energy project  it’s the birth of an entirely new energy frontier , and Iceland is right at the helm. 🌍 A Northern Powerhouse in a Southern Paradise Renowned for harnessing its own geothermal resources with unmatched expertise, Iceland has long been the benchmark for clean, sustainable energy. Now, Reykjavík Geothermal is exporting that excellence to the Canary Islands through a trailblazing partner...

PPC Renewables Announces Geophysical Assessment Tender In Tetra, Lesvos Greece

Unveiling the Hidden Mysteries:  PPC Renewables Calls for Tender in Petra, Lesvos Island By: Robert Buluma In the heart of the Aegean Sea lies an island of unparalleled beauty and historical significance – Lesvos. But beneath its serene surface lies a mystery waiting to be unraveled, and  PPC Renewables is taking the lead in uncovering it. Picture this: Land Geophysical Surveys, delving deep into the secrets of Petra, Lesvos Island, Greece. It's not just any ordinary survey; it's a journey into the unknown, a quest for knowledge hidden beneath the earth's surface. Referring to the intriguing Call for Tenders (ref/title: PR110000001319) dated 12th April 2024,  PPC Renewables beckons the daring and the curious to join them in this adventure. The scope of the contract? Nothing short of extraordinary – 2D Seismic Reflection, Gravity & Magnetic Surveys with precise positioning, coupled with integrated Geological-Tectonic-Geophysical analysis of all available data. But w...

G24 and Eco Cloud To Put Up a1GW Geothermal Data Center In Kenya

Kenya and UAE Sign Deal to Develop First-Ever Geothermal Powered Data Centre By  Robert Buluma Published on: March 07, 2024 06:13 (GMT) In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable technology, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have inked a historic agreement to construct the world's first data centre powered entirely by geothermal energy. This momentous event was witnessed by President William Ruto, marking a significant step forward for Kenya's digital infrastructure. The memorandum of understanding signed between Kenya's EcoCloud and UAE's G42 represents a pivotal moment in the convergence of technology and environmental conservation. Under this partnership, a colossal 1GW mega data centre will be erected, catapulting Kenya's digital economy to unprecedented heights. Amos Siwoi, CEO of EcoCloud, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "By harnessing geothermal energy, we are not only meeting the region's data needs but also setting a...

Fervo Energy’s Potential IPO: A Turning Point for Geothermal Energy

The geothermal energy sector is witnessing a significant transformation , and Fervo Energy is at the forefront of this change.  By: Robert Buluma The innovative geothermal startup, known for integrating oil and gas drilling techniques into geothermal energy production, is considering an initial public offering (IPO) as early as next year. This potential move comes at a time when energy demand from data centers is skyrocketing , driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the ever-expanding digital economy. The global push for clean, reliable, and scalable energy solutions is creating an unprecedented opportunity for geothermal energy to emerge as a mainstream renewable power source . With substantial financial backing, strategic partnerships, and groundbreaking technology , Fervo Energy is reshaping how geothermal energy is developed and deployed. This article explores Fervo’s journey, its technological innovations, the impact of its IPO on the clean energy market...

Bill Gates Visits Fervo Energy: Exploring the Future of Geothermal Power

  Robert Buluma Bill Gates recently visited Beaver County, Utah, to tour Fervo Energy’s Cape Station, which is poised to become the world’s largest enhanced geothermal power plant. In a LinkedIn post, Gates highlighted the project's innovative use of horizontal drilling techniques adapted from the oil and gas industry to access geothermal heat more efficiently. This approach allows for the utilization of geothermal resources in areas previously considered unsuitable for traditional geothermal methods . The Cape Station project is expected to deliver up to 400 MW of power, with initial production of 70 megawatts slated for 2026 and full capacity expected by 2028. The project has secured power purchase agreements to supply electricity to approximately 350,000 homes in Southern California . Gates emphasized that geothermal energy is a promising solution for delivering reliable, low-carbon power, especially as demand for affordable energy grows. He also noted that Fervo Energy's...

Neptune Energy To Extract Lithium From Geothermal Brine In Altmark Germany

Revolutionizing Energy:  Neptune Energy Bold Move Towards Sustainability in the Altmark By: Robert Buluma In a groundbreaking development poised to reshape the energy landscape,  Neptune Energy is spearheading a transformative initiative in the Altmark region of Germany. With licenses secured for the extraction of lithium and geothermal energy,  Neptune Energy is set to pioneer innovative solutions in the realm of green energy production. The journey towards sustainability begins with  Neptune Energy commitment to harnessing the potential of lithium and geothermal energy resources. With exclusive mining permits granted by the State Office for Geology and Mining in Saxony-Anhalt,  Neptune Energy is poised to revolutionize energy production in the Altmark. Dr. Andreas Scheck, Managing Director of Neptune Energy, envisions the Altmark as a beacon of future-oriented technology, where traditional energy practices seamlessly transition into eco-friendly alternativ...

XGS Energy Acquires Capuono Engineering Geothermal Service Company To Bolster Its Grip

XGS Energy  Acquires Premier Geothermal Drilling Services Company Capuano Engineering By: Robert Buluma In a bold move set to redefine the geothermal energy landscape, XGS Energy has announced the acquisition of Capuano Engineering, a leading global player in geothermal drilling and completion services. This strategic acquisition positions XGS Energy to expand its innovative geothermal technology on a global scale, leveraging Capuano Engineering's extensive expertise and experience in the field. A Leap Forward in Geothermal Technology XGS Energy , based in Palo Alto, California, has been at the forefront of geothermal energy innovation. Their proprietary Thermal Reach Enhancement (TRE) system uses materials that are 50 times more thermally conductive than rock, enabling high-efficiency closed-loop geothermal systems. Unlike conventional geothermal technologies that require specific geological conditions and access to water reservoirs, XGS’s technology can be deployed anywhere, offe...