Fujikura and UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Limited (UKIFS) sign framework agreement for supply of high temperature superconductors

Fujikura Ltd. has entered into a framework agreement with UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS), the organization responsible for implementing the UK’s fusion energy development program, for the supply of High Temperature Superconductors (HTS). This contract is a procurement agreement under which UK government agencies pre-select suppliers through a competitive bidding process for procurement from the private sector. In this case, Fujikura has been selected as a supplier of HTS for the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, which is being advanced by UKIFS.

Fujikura has been collaborating with Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd. to advance HTS magnet technologies for fusion machines as part of the STEP program led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). This latest achievement marks Fujikura’s continued involvement in the UK’s fusion energy reactor development efforts.

Mr. Sho Dutta, Commercial Director at UKIFS, commented on the agreement as follows: “We’re delighted to complete this Framework Agreement with Fujikura, to supply the STEP programme with High Temperature Superconductors. This is a further step in advancing our programme, to deliver the UK’s prototype Fusion Power Plant and demonstrate the commercial viability of fusion energy.

“Each contract and each supplier helps to build the UK’s fusion capability, bringing us closer to completing our power plant design and beginning construction at our site in Nottinghamshire. Our team is looking forward to working together with Fujikura to deliver that vision.”

Countries around the world – including the US, the UK/EU and Japan, have been progressing fusion energy through their national programs. In addition, there is increasing activity from private-sector organizations in advancing the industrialization of fusion energy. Fujikura’s HTS technology is a critical component for the realization of compact fusion power plants. Its development will support the advancement of fusion technology and contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society.