A specimen of ‘fusion grade’ silicon carbide composite made by KF in Japan, being handed over to UKAEA for experimentation. L-R: Dr Alex Leide (UKAEA), Dr Max Rigby-Bell (UKAEA), George Clark (UKAEA), Dr James Wade-Zhu (UKAEA), Andy Wilson (Kyoto Fusioneering), Vojna Ngjeqari (Kyoto Fusioneering).

Japanese fusion start-up, Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) and the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have signed a collaboration agreement to develop fusion-related technologies.

The partners will begin by developing a ‘fusion-grade’ silicon carbide composite system (SiC/SiC), suitable for use as a structural material inside a fusion machine and understanding its stability under simulated fusion conditions.

According to UKAEA, the use of SiC/SiC composites within the breeder blanket of a fusion machine will provide a material that operates at high-temperatures and is resistant to neutron damage, increasing the efficiency of fusion power stations.

The Self-Cooled Yuryo Lithium Lead Advanced (SCYLLA) blanket developed by KF is compatible with the lithium-lead based coolant and fuel breeding fluids.

KF will share its expertise in the design, experimentation, and manufacturing of silicon carbide materials. The company possesses know-how in making the raw materials for SiC/SiC and manufacturing of silicon carbide composite components.

Examination of irradiated composites can only be done in a suitable active testing facility and UKAEA’s Materials Research Facility (MRF) will be made available.

Scientists and engineers at the MRF are experienced in material irradiation and the handling of activated materials. New Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) methods are being developed by UKAEA to understand the changes in microstructural properties of the SiC/SiC samples caused by radiation damage; as a fibre-reinforced composite, some novel methods need to be used to extract useful material properties.

Under the new agreement, Kyoto Fusioneering will accelerate the development of critical plant components catered to the needs of other fusion companies around the world.

Kyoto Fusioneering’s CEO, Taka Nagao, said: “Kyoto Fusioneering will continue to build on our successful technology collaboration to help achieve industrialization of fusion energy. The development of a “fusion-grade” silicon carbide composite system is not only a huge advancement to the realisation of commercial fusion but also yet another advantage of the blanket system, which is so important in our collective battle against climate change.”

UKAEA’s CEO, Professor Sir Ian Chapman, commented: “Putting fusion electricity on the grid requires finding and integrating solutions to several major challenges and we will be working with Kyoto Fusioneering on finding solutions to some of those challenges.”

KF has several contracts awarded by UKAEA to provide its expertise and services, most notably as a member of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) Interim Engineering Delivery Partner consortium. KF was also selected as a tier 1 supplier in 2021 under the UKAEA Tritium Engineering Framework for the STEP fuel cycle.