press release
High Temperature Superconductors: Framework agreement signed with UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS)
Fujikura Ltd. (Director, President and CEO: Okada Naoki) 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, our company has been selected as a supplier of HTS for the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) program, which is being advanced by UKIFS.
We have been involved in the development of fusion energy machines in the UK, through collaboration with Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd., researching advancement of HTS magnets for fusion machines as part of the STEP program led by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). This latest achievement marks our 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 considering revisions to its national strategies and taking advanced initiatives through policy measures surrounding fusion energy development. In addition, private-sector organizations promoting industrialization have been established in Japan, the UK/EU, and the US, and activities aimed at industrialization are continuously increasing.
We believe that our HTS technology is a critical component for the realization of compact fusion reactors and we will continue its development to support so as to the advancement of fusion technology and contribute to achieving a carbon-neutral society.
*1 UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS)
UKIFS is part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. UKIFS will build and operate the STEP prototype fusion plant at the West Burton power plant site in Nottinghamshire, England.
Rare earth high temperature superconducting wire
*1 UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS)
UKIFS is part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. UKIFS will build and operate the STEP prototype fusion plant at the West Burton power plant site in Nottinghamshire, England.
