In this episode we are looking at a project being run by the UK Atomic Energy Authority which aims to build a prototype fusion power plant by the 2040s. To do that they are currently working on a concept design, choosing from a menu of international technologies. Their work needs to be complete by spring 2024 to then work on and complete a detailed design by about 2030.

Called ‘STEP’, its success will be measured in one way, whether it can sustainably put electricity into the grid.

This is a challenge that will push the limits of robotics, plasma science, materials science, nuclear science. But if we get it right, if all of the technologies fall into place, we have the potential to generate carbon neutral energy for millions of years. 

Guests

Jenny Cane, Product Area Lead for In-Vessel Components at STEP, UK Atomic Energy Authority

Nick Walkden, Head of Executive Office, UK Atomic Energy Authority

Supporter

Support for this episode comes from Enscape. Enscape is an intuitive real-time rendering & virtual reality plugin for the built industry. Now designs can be experienced long before they are built. The real-time rendering tool plugs into your modeling software, giving you an integrated visualisation and design process. Enscape makes visualisation accessible, it is the easiest and fastest way to turn your building models into immersive 3D experiences.

Resources

The UK Atomic Energy Authority’s webpage on STEP can be found here.

The website for the project in the south of France ITER can be found here.