The United States Department of Energy (DOE), the United Kingdom’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and private fusion firm Tokamak Energy Ltd. (TE) have unveiled a groundbreaking plan to upgrade the ST40 spherical tokamak.
This $52m initiative is poised to propel fusion research closer to realising commercial fusion energy, a game-changing source of carbon-free, sustainable power.
Speaking on the major collaboration, Kerry McCarthy, UK Minister for Climate in the DESNZ, said: “Fusion has the potential to be a clean and sustainable energy source, transforming how we power our country and countries around the world.
“This strategic partnership between the UK and US governments is therefore crucial to develop this new and exciting technology and bring it into use quicker, and is a vote of confidence in the skills and expertise of those working in this innovative new field in the United Kingdom and the United States.”
A collaborative leap towards fusion energy
The ST40 spherical tokamak is set to undergo significant enhancements under a joint sponsorship by the DOE, DESNZ, and TE.
The project, valued at over $100m in assets, will provide a platform for researchers from universities, national laboratories, and institutes across the US and UK to advance fusion science and technology.
The $52m upgrade, spanning five years, aligns with both the US Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy and the UK’s Fusion Strategy.
Through this collaboration, researchers will gain access to state-of-the-art facilities for fusion research and development (R&D).
This endeavour also underscores the DOE’s broader initiative to partner with private entities through its Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program.
Tokamak Energy, one of the program’s eight awardees, plays a pivotal role in pushing forward industry-led designs for a future fusion pilot plant.
The role of the ST40 spherical tokamak
The ST40 spherical tokamak represents a crucial asset in fusion research. Using applied magnetic fields to confine plasma, the facility is dedicated to studying plasma physics and optimising the conditions necessary for fusion.
Despite its significant scientific contributions, the facility’s development and operations have not been publicly funded by the US or UK governments, making it a unique platform for advancing public-private research efforts.
Previous experiments at the ST40 have achieved temperatures exceeding those at the core of the Sun, a critical milestone in fusion research.
The upcoming upgrades aim to enhance these capabilities, including efforts to achieve sustained fusion conditions through innovative techniques like lithium wall coatings and advanced fuelling methods.
Pioneering technologies to revolutionise fusion research
A key component of the ST40 upgrade involves the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies.
Tokamak Energy is leveraging high-temperature superconductors to create powerful, very high-field magnets.
These innovations are expected to enable compact, cost-effective fusion devices capable of meeting the stringent requirements of fusion: sufficient temperature, particle density, and energy confinement.
Collaborative expertise from the DOE’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) will play a vital role in the upgrade.
PPPL will contribute knowledge on lithium coatings, a method proven to improve energy confinement. Meanwhile, ORNL will focus on integrating advanced pellet fuelling systems to optimise plasma performance.
The future of fusion
This initiative highlights the growing synergy between public and private sectors and underscores the strategic international partnership between the US and the UK.
The collaboration on the ST40 spherical tokamak not only strengthens ties but also accelerates progress toward a shared goal of achieving commercial fusion energy.
The project’s $52m funding is evenly distributed among the three sponsors. The upgrade is slated for completion by 2027, contingent on continued appropriations and steady progress.
By pooling resources and expertise, the initiative represents a significant step in the pursuit of clean, sustainable, and abundant energy through fusion technology.
As global energy demands rise, fusion stands as a beacon of hope for a sustainable future. The ST40 spherical tokamak upgrade is a testament to the commitment of international governments and private companies to address the challenges of climate change through innovation and collaboration.
With its advanced capabilities and strong partnerships, the ST40 project is set to play a critical role in transforming the dream of fusion energy into a reality.
