The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has taken a significant step forward in its quest to make fusion energy a commercial reality, unveiling its new Extreme Low Stress Apparatus (ELSA) machine at the Fusion Technology Facility (FTF) in South Yorkshire. This machine, which operates at cryogenic temperatures between 20 and 70 Kelvin, is designed to simulate the extreme conditions under which high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets function in fusion power plants.
Professor Matt Stephenson, Head of the UKAEA’s Fusion Technology Facility, emphasised the importance of this development: “Here in South Yorkshire, we are tasked with answering the ‘how?’ in the delivery of commercially viable fusion energy. Our team is working hard to test and provide accurate results that inform us of the optimal environments and materials for durable power plant design.”
The ELSA machine is currently focused on testing novel ‘remountable joint’ (RMJ) components, which are crucial for efficient maintenance of future fusion power plants. These joints, part of a fusion machine’s toroidal field coils, confine the plasma and allow for rapid access during operations. Chris Lamb, Remountable Joints Engineering Manager at UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), highlighted the significance of ELSA in this process: “Remountable joints and other aspects of high-temperature superconducting magnet technology require cryogenic facilities like ELSA to test various aspects of the technologies, and are few and far between. Having the ELSA facility come online at the Fusion Technology Facility, on the doorstep of both STEP’s West Burton site and the rich vein of manufacturing capability at the Advanced Manufacturing Park, will be fantastic in helping the engineers get up close and personal with realising these critical HTS technologies.”
The development of ELSA and the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, a prototype fusion energy power plant to be built in West Burton, North Nottinghamshire, is expected to create significant employment opportunities. A recent report estimated that the STEP project would generate 6,500 on-site jobs when fully operational, with even more during construction. The STEP campus is poised to become a global hub for fusion research and development, collaborating with local education providers to foster a skilled workforce for fusion-related jobs.
Dr James Cowan, STEP Programme Director at UKIFS, underscored the collaborative nature of this endeavour: “Harnessing the power of the stars to generate clean, sustainable energy on earth requires meaningful collaboration across scientific, engineering and construction disciplines. UKIFS is committed to bringing the best people and organisations together to deliver STEP, and the ELSA fusion machine is a perfect example of this approach in action.”
The unveiling of ELSA and the progress of the STEP programme mark a pivotal moment in the fusion energy sector. As the technology advances, it could reshape the energy landscape, offering a clean, sustainable, and commercially viable alternative to traditional power sources. The success of these initiatives will not only influence the development of fusion energy in the UK but also set a precedent for global efforts to harness the power of fusion.