Contractor sought for £10bn experimental nuclear job

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is looking for a contractor to build an experimental nuclear fusion reactor.

The body has posted a prior information notice to firms, putting them on notice for the £10bn job which would be the first prototype plant of its kind in the UK.

Tendering is expected to begin for strategic engineering and construction partners in December, with the chosen companies joining UKAEA and engineering partner Atkins on the integrated delivery team.

The current phase of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) project, tranche 1, comes to an end in April 2024, at which point tranche 2a will begin, subject to approval.

At this phase, STEP will develop from a programme wit a concept design, selected site and contracted support to a fully formed building project.

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Initially, the construction partner appointed to the job will help shape the design of the reactor for constructability and develop a construction strategy and site plans.

The location of STEP is expected to be announce later this year after UKAEA’s recommendation to the secretary of state for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Tristram Denton, head of commercial and programme development for STEP, said: “Fusion has great potential to deliver safe, sustainable, low carbon energy for generations to come, and STEP is leading the way.

“It’s clear we must make significant changes to address the effects of climate change, and STEP’s delivery partners will play a crucial role in our quest to making fusion a reality.”