Navigating the Path to Commercial Fusion: Assessing Supply Chain Challenges and Inclusive Growth of Commercial Fusion Energy in the Trent Supercluster (Associate CDT project at the University of Lincoln) at University of Sheffield

**This project is at the University of Lincoln**

This project has industrial collaboration, and is co-supervised by a member of staff at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).

Introduction and Background

Fusion energy promises a virtually limitless, low-carbon power source. With recent experimental milestones—most notably net energy gain in inertial confinement experiments—and significant public (UKAEA, UKIFS) and private-sector investment (Tokamak Energy, First Light Fusion), the UK has emerged as a leader in the global race toward commercial fusion. However, transitioning from experimental units to a mature, robust industry requires more than scientific breakthroughs. It demands resilient, scalable supply chains capable of delivering:

• specialised components (e.g., high field superconducting magnets, tritium handling systems, neutron resistant materials)
• significant scaling of existing solutions (e.g. power generation, advanced manufacturing, balance of plant, logistics, food, etc)
• industrial volumes, quality, cost effectiveness, and local social value

Whilst the scientific and engineering challenges of achieving sustained plasma confinement have been widely studied, less attention has been paid to the supply chain barriers that could hinder timely commercialisation and inclusive growth in the UK context. These barriers include:

• limited supplier bases for key materials
• long lead times for bespoke components
• regulatory and licensing complexity for radioactive substances
• a lack of awareness of the sector
• a sluggish pivot of existing industry (particularly SMEs)
• skills gaps in manufacturing advanced fusion technologies

Research Aim and Objectives Aim

To investigate and analyse the key supply chain challenges and opportunities facing the development of a world-leading UK Fusion Sector. To develop a strategic framework to enhance supply chain resilience and scalability with focus on building a robust ecosystem to support the Supercluster vision around the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype plant at West Burton by 2040.

Objectives:

1. Analyse and forecast the volume of materials, components, and supporting products required for a commercial fusion sector.
2. Assess critical elements or bottlenecks—such as component lead times, single points of supply chain or market failure, certification hurdles, and workforce capabilities—that could delay commercial fusion projects.
3. Map current UK fusion relevant industry, with emphasis on proximity to the West Burton site - identifying key sectors and actors, material flows, and technological dependencies/adjacencies.
4. Evaluate existing policy and regulatory frameworks impacting fusion supply chains (e.g., licensing for tritium processing, nuclear materials regulation).
5. Benchmark UK supply chain readiness against leading fusion nations (e.g., France, USA) to identify best practices and lessons learned.
6. Develop a strategic roadmap with recommendations for government, industry, and academia to strengthen supply chain resilience and attract private investment.

Project enquiries: please email the acdemic supervisor at nchalashkanov@lincoln.ac.uk

How to apply: please apply at https://uol.t1cloud.com/T1Default/CiAnywhere/Web/UOL/StudentCore/StudentApplicationRegistrationMyMaintenance?f=%24SC.STUAPPREG.MNT&suite=SM&CourseCode=EGRPHDRP

Funding notes

This project is part-funded by a Community Studentship provided by the Fusion Engineering CDT, and hence the student will be based at the University of Lincoln, but should expect to engage fully with the 3-month full-time training programme in the Fusion Engineering CDT at the start of the course (October to December inclusive). CDT training will be delivered across the CDT partner universities at Sheffield, Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool. The training course requires weekly travel to attend in-person training at these universities.

For further information about the CDT programme, please visit the CDT website at www.fusion-engineering-cdt.ac.uk or send an email to hello@fusion-engineering-cdt.ac.uk.

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