Transatlantic partnership creates commercialisation and development pathway for research breakthroughs in fusion.
The University of Birmingham and EPRI have announced a major collaboration to advance the development of fusion energy technologies through the FURESHMA (Fusion Reactor Shielding Materials) programme.
The £2.63 million collaboration has been funded by the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and EPRI, with additional participation of Element Six – building on the partnership initially set with Tokamak Energy.
The collaboration brings together the University's internationally recognised expertise in fusion materials with EPRI's extensive experience in energy research, nuclear materials and technology deployment.
FURESHMA aims to test advanced boride and carbide shielding materials capable of protecting critical components from the extreme conditions inside future fusion power plants. The project addresses a key barrier to commercial fusion energy by improving the durability, reliability and long-term performance of shielding materials exposed to intense neutron irradiation.
Fusion energy has the potential to provide a secure, low-carbon source of power for future generations, but commercial deployment depends on developing materials capable of withstanding fusion’s extreme conditions in terms of temperatures, irradiation doses and thermo-mechanical stresses.
Building on existing EPRI-Birmingham R&D, this collaboration connects innovative research with the practical requirements of future commercial fusion facilities. It will also support technology transfer and accelerate the path from laboratory discoveries to real-world energy applications.
By replicating the process that powers the Sun, fusion could generate substantial amounts of reliable electricity using abundant fuel sources, helping to tackle climate change, strengthen energy security, and meet growing global energy demand.
Professor Arunodaya Bhattacharya, Chair in Fusion Energy at the University of Birmingham and Deputy Head of Research in the School of Metallurgy and Materials, said: "Fusion energy has the potential to provide a secure, low-carbon source of power for future generations, but commercial deployment depends on developing materials capable of withstanding fusion’s extreme conditions in terms of temperatures, irradiation doses and thermo-mechanical stresses.
“By combining the University of Birmingham's world-leading expertise in fusion materials with EPRI's deep understanding of the energy sector, we can accelerate the solutions that will bring fusion power to grid."
EPRI contributes more than five decades of energy and electricity research and development experience, working with over 450 organisations across 45 countries. Through FURESHMA, it will provide technical expertise and key perspectives to ensure research outcomes are available to future fusion plant operators, investors, and energy vendors.
“Developing fusion power plants that are buildable, reliable and maintainable will require a deeper understanding of how key materials perform under fusion conditions,” said Steve Chengelis, EPRI Vice President, Nuclear Development and Fusion.
“Through FURESHMA, EPRI and the University of Birmingham can connect advanced materials research with the needs of future plant developers and operators, strengthen international knowledge exchange, and help establish a sound technical foundation for fusion deployment.”
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to open science and knowledge sharing. The University of Birmingham and EPRI have agreed that data generated through the project will be made openly available, helping the UK industry and the wider global fusion community benefit from the findings.
Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Birmingham, said: “The University of Birmingham is renowned for its fusion research and training. Our work with EPRI creates a transatlantic bridge that complements the university's technical leadership and connects our nuclear materials science expertise with opportunities to speed the progress of fusion energy technology towards deployment.”
The collaboration builds on an expanding relationship between the University and EPRI across advanced materials, manufacturing, irradiation effects, and qualification to tackle fission/fusion overarching challenges. It will create opportunities for further joint research, innovation, and training activities in the years ahead.
As the UK Government launched the Global Fusion Summit, Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks, said: "Fusion has the potential to provide virtually limitless clean energy while supporting more than 10,000 jobs across the UK by 2030, attracting investment and creating major opportunities for British businesses.
"By strengthening our partnership with the US we’re accelerating the race to commercial fusion, turning cutting-edge research into economic growth and cementing Britain's position as a world leader in fusion energy."
The University of Birmingham is a global leader in fusion materials. Recently, Professor Bhattacharya joined the Steering Committee of the international MatDB4Fusion initiative, which aims to accelerate fusion energy development through improved access to high-quality materials data. Birmingham is currently the only university in the world represented on the programme. EPRI’s Andrew Sowder, Senior Technical Executive, Fusion Energy Strategic Program, also serves on the MatDB4Fusion Steering Committee.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Thompson, Communications Manager, EPRI
The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 40,000 students from over 150 countries.
England’s first civic university, the University of Birmingham is proud to be rooted in one of the most dynamic and diverse cities in the country. A member of the Russell Group and a founding member of the Universitas 21 global network of research universities, the University of Birmingham has been changing the way the world works for more than a century.
FURESHMA (Fusion Reactor Shielding Materials) is a collaborative research programme focused on developing advanced materials for future fusion power plants. The project is funded through a Prosperity Partnership supported by UKRI/EPSRC, EPRI and industrial partners.
Founded in 1972, EPRI is the world's preeminent independent, non-profit energy research and development organisation, with offices around the world. EPRI's trusted experts collaborate with more than 450 companies in 45 countries, driving innovation to ensure the public has clean, safe, reliable, and affordable access to electricity across the globe. Together...shaping the future of energy.®
Chair in Fusion Energy
Profile of Professor Arunodaya Bhattacharya, Professor of Fusion Energy in the School of Metallurgy and Materials, at the University of Birmingham.
