EPSRC took over responsibility for the UK fusion programme in April 2003 with dedicated funding allocated via the Office of Science and Technology.
Fusion, the process by which the sun produces heat and light, has the potential to provide an almost limitless clean, safe, renewable energy source for future generations. However, before that can be achieved some formidable engineering and scientific challenges need to be addressed which is why strong investment in this area is so crucial.
The EPSRC grant has been awarded to the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) at its Culham site in Oxfordshire. The grant will underpin the UK involvement in the EURATOM Joint European Torus (JET), also at Culham, the development of the UK's own fusion device, MAST (Mega-Amp Spherical Tokamak) and research on the materials needed for a fusion power station.
Professor Sir David King, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Government and Head of the Office of Science and Technology said, "this grant will enable Culham to continue its excellent work in the development of fusion science leading to fusion power, and in doing so maintain the UK's position as one of the world leaders in fusion".
"This is part of a broad portfolio of energy related research", said Professor John O'Reilly, the Chief Executive of EPSRC, "developing fusion as a source of energy is an exciting scientific and technological challenge, this funding will further promote active engagement between Culham and the broader UK academic community".
Notes for Editors:
In 2000-01 a UK Government interdepartmental policy review endorsed the UK's commitment to fusion research and highlighted opportunities to develop and exploit synergies between Culham and the wider science and engineering base.
UK funding for fusion was transferred from the DTI's energy budget to the OST's science budget in April 2002, with EPSRC taking over responsibility for funding the UK programme in April 2003. EURATOM also part-funds the UK programme. In addition to fusion, EPSRC's energy portfolio includes sustainable energy technologies, nuclear and conventional fossil fuel based power.
The Fusion Advisory Board provides advice on the domestic programme and the UK's participation in international and industrial projects. The Fusion Advisory Board is made up of representatives from industry, academia, the European fusion community and the principal stakeholders (DTI/OST, DTI/ NCLU –the Nuclear and Coal Liabilities Unit, UKAEA and EPSRC).
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is the UK's main agency for funding research in engineering and the physical sciences. The EPSRC invests more than £500 million a year in research and postgraduate training, to help the nation handle the next generation of technological change. The areas covered range from information technology to structural engineering, and mathematics to materials science. This research forms the basis for future economic development in the UK and improvements for everyone's health, lifestyle and culture. EPSRC also actively promotes public awareness of science and engineering. EPSRC works alongside other Research Councils with responsibility for other areas of research. The Research Councils work collectively on issues of common concern via Research Councils UK. Website address for more information on EPSRC: www.epsrc.ac.uk/
The United Kingdom Energy Authority (UKAEA) through its Culham Division in Oxfordshire, is responsible for providing the UK's input to the European fusion research programme and for operating the JET facilities on behalf of the EURATOM partners. Website address for more information on UKAEA: www.fusion.org.uk
For more information contact the EPSRC press office:
Natasha Richardson, natasha.richardson@epsrc.ac.uk, tel 01793-444404