15 September, London – UK Fusion Energy Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering the UK’s first prototype fusion power plant, has become a Tier 1 member of the Manufacturing Technology Centre and set up a new R&D contract route for STEP Fusion, as six major industry opportunities move closer to market.
The new arrangements will give UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) access to advanced manufacturing expertise, facilities and wider industry networks through the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
They are designed to help STEP Fusion tackle some of the manufacturing challenges involved in turning fusion plant designs into components and systems that can be produced, tested and qualified at scale.
As a Tier 1 member, UKFE will have representation on the MTC’s Programme Board and Technology Advisory Board. It will also gain access to its Core Research Programme, research outputs and network of manufacturers, technology providers and specialists.
Alongside the membership agreement, UKFE has established a contract vehicle for STEP Fusion research and development work, providing a more flexible route to access expertise across areas including advanced manufacturing, joining, materials processing, automation, digital engineering, metrology and non-destructive testing.
UKFE expects to spend up to £10 million through the arrangement, supporting a pipeline of research and development activity designed to strengthen manufacturing readiness for STEP Fusion.
The move comes as UKFE continues to develop six major strategic partner opportunities for STEP Fusion following strong industry interest at an event in Worksop in July 2026.
The opportunities cover:
- systems engineering and whole plant integration,
- fusion plant controls,
- test operations,
- fuel cycle,
- breeder blankets, and
- an Employer’s Engineering Resource Framework.
UKFE is now in the final stages of developing the procurement packages. A number of consortia are understood to be forming as industry prepares for future competition.
The six opportunities will bring specialist industrial capability into some of the most important areas of STEP Fusion’s design and delivery, creating further opportunities for organisations across the supply chain to contribute to the UK’s prototype fusion power plant.
Dan Bishop, Chief Commercial Officer at UK Fusion Energy, said:
“STEP Fusion is continuing to work with industry partners in a direct and practical way.
“Our agreement with the MTC gives us access to specialist expertise, facilities and a wider manufacturing network, while the six opportunities now progressing towards procurement create clear routes for industry to get involved.
“We’ve seen strong interest from the market, and this is about turning that interest into real participation in the programme.”
Andrew Bowfield, Civil Nuclear Lead at the Manufacturing Technology Centre, said:
“Fusion presents a major manufacturing challenge and a significant opportunity for UK industry.
“We are delighted to welcome UK Fusion Energy as a Tier 1 member. Through our expertise in nuclear and advanced manufacturing, and our connections across the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and wider supply chain, we look forward to supporting STEP Fusion as it moves further into industrial delivery.”
The developments are part of UKFE’s wider work to build the industrial capability and supply chain needed to deliver STEP Fusion and support the growth of a competitive UK fusion industry.
ENDS
Notes to editors
UK Fusion Energy Ltd (UKFE) is responsible for delivering the UK’s flagship fusion programme, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production). The organisation is leading the design and development of the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, targeting first operations in the 2040s. Working with industry and research partners, UKFE is building a public-private alliance to scale commercial fusion energy and support long-term energy security.
STEP Fusion is a world-leading UK programme advancing fusion energy towards commercial deployment. Its mission is to demonstrate net energy, fuel self-sufficiency, and electricity generation from fusion, while helping to grow a new fusion industry. The programme will deliver a prototype spherical tokamak power plant and is led by UK Fusion Energy Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group.
The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) is one of the UK’s leading centres for advanced manufacturing innovation and a member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. It supports organisations across sectors including nuclear, aerospace, defence, energy and transport through advanced engineering, manufacturing innovation and supply chain development.
