Canadian project management giant SNC-Lavalin said Tuesday it had been awarded three new contracts by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to continue work on Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), the project that aims to build a commercial-scale fusion energy plant.
Under the contracts, SNC-Lavalin will provide specialist engineering services and strategic advice to UKAEA, drawing on its global nuclear and fusion energy expertise, and long-standing involvement with the STEP program.
SNC-Lavalin has been appointed Commercial Pathways Partner, to help pave the commercial route to realizing fusion energy through a combination of engineering and techno-economic studies. A second contract for the STEP Integrated Plant Solution will see SNC-Lavalin develop the mechanical handling and maintenance strategy for this first-of-a-kind plant. The firm has also been appointed onto a new STEP Tritium Framework, drawing on SNC-Lavalin’s specialist tritium knowledge, acquired largely by the development of CANDU® technology, and supported by its international academic partners.
Fusion energy provides high promises for future energy applications. "Fusion energy has the potential to produce a stable, reliable and low-carbon power source that could be critical in a decarbonized energy future," said SNC-Lavalin President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Edwards. "Our involvement will bring together the best of UK and international expertise to solve the challenges associated with fusion energy,” he said.
STEP is attempting to develop the world's first commercial fusion power station, with an aim to produce a concept design by 2024,. The next step is to develop a prototype plant in the UK, targeting completion by 2040.
In early 2021, SNC-Lavalin was awarded the STEP Cost Modelling and Siting and Development contracts. The Group already supports UKAEA across its major programs through its position as an Engineering Design Services (EDS) framework supplier, as well as delivering the design of its H3AT Tritium recycling loop.