The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has renewed its Embedded Engineering Resource Framework for another four years, helping to secure the UK’s position as a global leader in fusion energy development
The renewed Embedded Engineering Resource Framework, valued at up to £9 million, involves collaboration with seven companies and aims to further develop engineering capability within the UK’s growing fusion ecosystem.
Supporting fusion development
The renewed framework comes after a successful initial four-year term during which over 80 engineers were immersed across UKAEA’s core programme areas.
The framework allows partner companies to include their engineers in UKAEA projects, which will enable them to gain hands-on experience in fusion technologies while contributing directly to the Authority’s research and development efforts.
By using engineers within UKAEA, the Embedded Engineering Resource Framework helps to improve fusion programmes and also upskills the wider UK engineering workforce.
These benefits play an essential role in expanding national expertise in fusion, a clean, sustainable energy source with the potential to meet long-term global energy demands.
Cross-company collaboration
The Embedded Engineering Resource Framework also uses collaboration among participating companies and their supply chains. This model encourages knowledge sharing, joint problem-solving, and innovation in engineering disciplines needed to support the future commercialisation of fusion energy.
Partner companies bring skills across several engineering domains, including mechanical, process, electrical, instrumentation, materials, systems engineering, and code development. Their involvement allows UKAEA to increase access to highly specialised skills and technical expertise rapidly.
Delivering results
During the initial Embedded Engineering Resource Framework period, engineers supported a range of high-profile fusion programmes. These included:
- JET Decommissioning and Repurposing (JDR): Supporting the safe transition of the Joint European Torus as it completes its research lifecycle.
- Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE): Innovating remote handling solutions for hazardous environments.
- Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST) Upgrade: Enhancing next-generation spherical tokamak technology.
- Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP): Developing a commercial prototype fusion power plant.
- Fusion Technology (FT) and Materials Research Facility (MRF): Advancing the technologies and materials needed for fusion reactors to operate safely and efficiently.
Engineers involved in these projects have contributed to a massive technical milestone but have also returned to their home organisations with better expertise on fusion systems, additive manufacturing, and advanced materials.
The UK’s fusion ecosystem
The renewed Embedded Engineering Resource Framework increases UKAEA’s capacity to source technical talent from industry, supporting its goal of accelerating the commercial viability of fusion energy. Importantly, it continues to strengthen ties between government research and private sector innovation, building a skilled and agile workforce ready to deliver fusion solutions.
The seven companies participating in the renewed framework are:
- Amentum Clean Energy Ltd
- AtkinsRéalis Ltd
- BakerHicks Ltd
- Demcon Multiphysics B.V
- Frazer-Nash Consultancy Ltd
- Optima Systems Consultancy Ltd
- Oxford Sigma Ltd
With the next phase of the Embedded Engineering Resource Framework now underway, the UK’s fusion energy ambitions are set to benefit from better industrial collaboration.
