Oxford Sigma is supporting the development of UK capability in hydrogen isotope exchange materials for fusion fuel cycle systems through collaborative research and development with UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE), in support of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme.
Oxford Sigma has applied its experience in fusion materials and manufacturing to progress the practical manufacture of hydrogen isotope exchange material powders. The work, conducted over several years, has advanced activity from early manufacturing scoping through to trial production and in‑house delivery of material, providing a credible UK route for supply.
Tritium exchange systems are a critical part of fusion fuel cycles, enabling the controlled separation, capture, and recycling of hydrogen isotopes required to fuel deuterium–tritium fusion reactions. Hydrogen isotope exchange materials play a key role in these systems through their ability to reversibly absorb and release isotopes under controlled operating conditions.
Establishing confidence in the manufacture and supply of hydrogen isotope exchange materials, including palladium‑based compounds, is essential for the reliable and scalable deployment of tritium handling systems in future fusion facilities.
Outcomes from the collaboration between Oxford Sigma and UKFE help reduce uncertainty in fuel cycle implementation, support long‑term UK supply chain readiness, and contribute to the technical foundations required for future specification development and scale‑up aligned with STEP objectives.
Commenting on the work, Dr Emily Rose Lewis, Project Lead on hydrogen isotope exchange materials and Nuclear Materials Engineer at Oxford Sigma, said:
“We have developed hydrogen isotope exchange materials from initial manufacturing scoping through to trial batches and representative quantities of material produced in‑house. Progressing toward a draft specification has been a key milestone, and it’s exciting to be working with UK fusion partners to help stimulate a new market for the UK fusion industry.”
Oxford Sigma continues to work closely with UKAEA, UKFE, and wider industry partners to support the maturation of materials and manufacturing capability required for fusion fuel cycle technologies, contributing to the safe, secure, and scalable deployment of fusion energy in the UK.
About Oxford Sigma
Oxford Sigma is a fusion technology company with a vision to tackle energy security and climate change by accelerating the commercialisation of fusion energy. Our mission is to deliver materials technology, materials solutions, and fusion design services. Oxford Sigma aims to produce advanced materials technologies, agnostic to fusion approach, for the materials ecosystem. Our fusion core materials are engineered to enable longer term operations for fusion pilot plants, with the aim of rolling out to the first-of-a-kind commercial power stations. Oxford Sigma is internationally recognised as a key fusion materials and technological leader.
Get in touch at [email protected]
About UKFE Ltd
UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE) is a UKAEA Group subsidiary company, leading delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype power plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire. UK Fusion Energy will integrate fusion technology in partnership with industry, delivering a complete fusion product, with STEP as the first major programme.
Developing UK capability in hydrogen isotope exchange materials is an important step in maturing the technologies needed for future fusion fuel cycles. Collaborations such as this help strengthen the UK fusion supply chain and support the long-term delivery ambitions of the STEP programme. For an overview of the fusion fuel cycle, see the UKAEA official YouTube channel: The Fusion Fuel Cycle
For more at https://stepfusion.com/
Image credit: An artistic visualization of a Mobius strip on a lattice background signifying the key role that differential geometry and topology play in describing the dynamic properties of metamaterials. Fabio Semperlotti and Mohit Kumar.