Overview

The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production is an exciting project seeking to produce net power from a fusion energy source. The United Kingdom Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) is a newly formed subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, which will deliver STEP, by building a prototype fusion powerplant at the West Burton site.

This presentation, part of wider series, will discuss the latest STEP project updates and introduce the newly formed United Kingdom Industrial Fusion Solutions. Following this the presenters will introduce the STEP fuel cycle, which utilises many chemical engineering concepts, and finally presenters will delve into the various technology options to maximise tritium recovery.

Speakers

Jack Acres, Engineering Manager, Fusion Solutions

Jack is leading a multidisciplinary team to deliver the cooling, power conversion, and electric infrastructure systems of the novel STEP fusion prototype powerplant. Working with industry to revolutionise the energy landscape. Jack is a chartered chemical engineer with over 10 years of experience, namely in speciality chemicals, oil and gas, and fusion industries.

Elaine Coleman, Systems Lead, UK Atomic Energy Authority

Elaine joined UKAEA in her current role in 2021 following a career in oil and gas and precious metal recycling. Elaine worked within UKAEA as part of the business development team before becoming the fuel recirculation separation systems lead within the fuel cycle team on STEP.

As a Chartered Chemical Engineer, Elaine works on behalf of the Tritium Fuel Cycle division, who are pioneering research into tritium breeding, processing, distribution, storage, recycling, and disposal. Elaine has recently concluded technology optioneering studies for the hydrogen isotope separation and impurities management for the STEP fuel cycle.

With preferred technologies identified, Elaine’s day comprises of establishing technology development roadmaps, design development, optimisation, and establishing mechanisms to address technology challenges.

Alicia Buck, Senior Process Engineer, UK Atomic Energy Authority

Alicia joined UKAEA in 2021 and since then has primarily spent her time at working in the Fuel Cycle Team on the STEP Programme. Alicia is currently the Technical Lead for the Tritium Recovery Systems within the Fuel Cycle. Prior to UKAEA, Alicia worked in the oil and gas industry.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenter’s own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Nuclear Technology SIG in full. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.

Time

18:00–19:00 BST.

Software

The presentation will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. We recommend downloading the app from the Microsoft website, rather than using the web portal.