Fusion energy, Eni and UKAEA to build the world's largest and most advanced tritium fuel cycle facility

Eni and UKAEA Forge Collaboration for Fusion Energy Research and Development

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the UK’s national organization for sustainable fusion energy research, has entered into a collaboration agreement with Eni to advance research and technological development in fusion energy. The partnership will initially focus on constructing the world’s largest and most advanced tritium fuel cycle facility, a critical component for future fusion power stations. The UKAEA-Eni H3AT (pronounced ‘heat’) Tritium Loop Facility, located at Culham Campus, is expected to be completed by 2028.

Tritium recovery and re-use are essential for fueling future fusion power plants, playing a crucial role in improving efficiency and sustainability. The H3AT Tritium Loop Facility will serve as a world-class research hub, enabling industry and academia to develop cutting-edge methods for processing, storing, and recycling tritium.

Fusion energy replicates the Sun’s power generation process by fusing two hydrogen isotopes under extreme heat and pressure, forming a helium atom and releasing vast amounts of emissions-free energy. This technology has the potential to be a game-changer in enhancing energy security and driving decarbonization.

Through this collaboration, UKAEA and Eni will develop advanced fusion energy solutions while also facilitating skills transfer and knowledge exchange. Eni will contribute its expertise in managing and executing large-scale projects, helping to de-risk the development of the H3AT facility. The partnership leverages UKAEA’s deep expertise in fusion research alongside Eni’s industrial-scale capabilities in plant engineering, commissioning, and operations.

UK Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy welcomed the initiative, stating:

"The UK is at the forefront of global innovation in clean energy fusion technologies. This collaboration with Eni marks a significant step toward unlocking the potential of fusion energy, supporting our missions for economic growth, clean power, and energy independence. The UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility will not only position the UK as a leader in fusion fuel technologies but also accelerate progress toward a future of safe, sustainable, and abundant clean energy."

Professor Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of UKAEA, emphasized the importance of the project, saying:

"We are delighted to collaborate with Eni, which has demonstrated strong commitment to fusion energy. Fusion energy can play a vital role in achieving a net-zero future, going beyond just decarbonizing electricity. The H3AT demonstration plant will set a new global benchmark as the largest and most advanced tritium fuel cycle facility, paving the way for groundbreaking advancements in fusion fuel technology and reaffirming the UK’s leadership in this critical research area."

Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, highlighted fusion’s transformative potential:

"Fusion energy will revolutionize the global energy transition, accelerating decarbonization while ensuring broader access to clean energy. Eni has long believed in the potential of this complex technology and remains committed to its development. Our partnership with UKAEA lays the foundation for further advancements, bringing the reality of fusion energy closer than ever. To make fusion a viable energy source, international collaborations like this are essential."

Eni is committed to enabling a socially fair energy transition by promoting efficient and progressively more sustainable energy solutions. Innovation is at the core of its strategy, with significant investments in research and technology to decarbonize its energy mix and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

UKAEA aims to lead the development of sustainable fusion energy, maximizing both scientific and economic benefits. The organization is dedicated to addressing the challenges of commercializing fusion power—from design to decommissioning—through world-class science and engineering. UKAEA also plays a key role in fostering global partnerships and innovation clusters to accelerate the transition to fusion-based energy solutions.