Fusion energy: the collaboration between Eni and UKAEA

Our collaboration with UKAEA

We have signed an agreement with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to conduct research and development in the field of fusion energy. The first common project is related to the UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility, the world’s largest and most advanced plant for the management of tritium, a key fuel in the fusion process. Located at UKAEA’s Culham site in Oxfordshire, UK, it will be completed by 2028, enabling the development of innovative solutions for tritium processing, storage and recycling, to contribute in making the technology more efficient and closer to commercialization. From the strategic point of view, the collaboration with the UKAEA reinforces our growing contribution to the development of fusion, a low-emission energy source that could revolutionise the global energy transition.

The H3AT Tritium Loop Facility Project

The H3AT facility (from “heat” and “H3”, tritium’s chemical symbol) will be the world’s largest and most advanced centre of excellence globally dedicated to the study, treatment and recycling of tritium. Designed to simulate the expected fuel stocks in future fusion power plants, it will be able to operate in continuous aiming at fuel purification and recovery. The plant will enable:

realistic simulations of the reference processes of a future fusion reactor
research and development for innovative fuel processing and storage solutions
training of specialists with unique skills essential for the future fusion sector.

This partnership combines UKAEA’s extensive expertise in fusion research and development with Eni’s established industrial-scale capabilities in plant engineering, commissioning, and operations.

The role of Eni and UKAEA

This synergy represents a decisive step towards bringing fusion energy to industrial maturity, which is essential for the commercial-scale development of fusion power plants.

Eni’s industrial expertise

As part of the agreement with UKAEA, Eni will contribute:

industrial engineering expertise and project management know-how for complex projects
specialised personnel and financial support
a time-to-market perspective and a solid supplier network, fostering the creation of an industrial supply chain for fusion.

UKAEA’s scientific expertise

With over thirty years of experience in deuterium and tritium research through the Joint European Torus (JET) that, until the end of its operational life (December 2023) has been the world’s largest magnetic fusion experimental reactor, the UK’s governmental organisation brings unique knowledge and technologies to the partnership, especially in fuel cycle management.

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Eni and UKAEA together towards fusion energy

Our collaboration with UKAEA

Press release

Eni and UKAEA announce their first collaboration

Eni and UKAEA announce their first collaboration

The H3AT Tritium Loop Facility Project

H3AT Tritium Loop Facility at Culham Campus, Oxfordshire

Tritium Loop Facility Graphics - H3AT Plant & Building

Tritium Loop Facility Graphics - H3AT Plant & Building

The role of Eni and UKAEA

Eni’s industrial expertise

UKAEA’s scientific expertise

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