Atkins Secures Framework Role to Help UK Atomic Energy Authority Develop Fusion Energy
Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, has been awarded a role on the Engineering Design Services (EDS) framework with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) which will research the development of nuclear fusion energy and related technologies.
Atkins is one of the nine companies to have secured roles on the EDS framework, which gives the UKAEA access to a broad range of engineering and technical skills in multiple technologies and fields of study. Atkins was selected for as supplier for four capability areas: Process Engineering; Electrical, Control and Instrumentation (EC&I); Minor Structural Design; and Specialist Nuclear Services. Engineering and technical expertise being delivered will include fusion research, powerplant design, robotics, digital innovation and materials.
“This framework supports the creation of an innovative and collaborative culture across the nuclear industry, tapping into a huge range of skills and expertise. This collaborative approach will be vital in developing low carbon commercial fusion technology as we aim to reach Net Zero targets and make fusion energy a reality,” Jason Dreisbach, Chief Engineer, Nuclear and Power, at Atkins, said.
The companies which are part of the framework are: Assystem, DBD, Rolls-Royce, Jacobs, Frazer Nash, Atkins, IDOM, Mott MacDonald, and M5tec.
Atkins’ experience in nuclear fusion includes ten years’ working on ITER, the world’s largest fusion energy experiment, which brings together 35 countries aiming to explore its potential as a safe, limitless and environmentally responsible energy source.
About UK Atomic Energy Authority
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) carries out fusion energy research on behalf of the UK Government at Culham Science Centre near Oxford. UKAEA oversees Britain’s fusion programme, headed by the MAST Upgrade (Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak) experiment. It also hosts the world’s largest fusion research facility, JET (Joint European Torus), which it operates for European scientists under a contract with the European Commission.
Fusion research at Culham is funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council and by the European Union under the EURATOM treaty.
About SNC-Lavalin
Founded in 1911, SNC-Lavalin is a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world. SNC-Lavalin connects people, technology and data to help shape and deliver world-leading concepts and projects, while offering comprehensive innovative solutions across the asset lifecycle. Its expertise is wide-ranging — consulting & advisory, intelligent networks & cybersecurity, design & engineering, procurement, project & construction management, operations & maintenance, decommissioning and sustaining capital – and delivered to clients in four strategic sectors: EDPM (engineering, design and project management), Infrastructure, Nuclear and Resources.
