UKAEA has unveiled its ELSA fusion machine, designed to test engineering and materials under fusion-relevant conditions. Located at the Fusion Technology Facility (FTF) in South Yorkshire, ELSA reaches cryogenic temperatures between 20 and 70 Kelvin (-253 to -203°C). These conditions simulate the operating environment of high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnets used in future fusion power plants.
Testing Extreme Temperatures for Fusion
Professor Matt Stephenson, Head of FTF, said, “Our goal is to answer the ‘how?’ in making commercially viable fusion energy. We test materials and environments to ensure durable and efficient power plant designs.”
ELSA’s cryogenic capability allows engineers to study HTS coils. These coils generate high magnetic fields while minimizing resistive losses. By using less energy to reach optimal magnetic strength, the team reduces operational costs. This step supports the commercialisation of fusion energy.
Remountable Joints for Efficient Maintenance
The ELSA machine also tests remountable joints (RMJ) components. RMJs feature extremely low electrical resistance and are essential for future fusion plant maintenance. They are part of the toroidal field coils that confine plasma in tokamaks. Their design allows rapid access during plant operations, reducing downtime.
Chris Lamb, UKIFS Remountable Joints Engineering Manager, explained, “Cryogenic facilities like ELSA are rare but vital for testing HTS magnet technology. Being close to the STEP project site and the Advanced Manufacturing Park allows engineers to work hands-on with these components.”
Supporting the STEP Programme
ELSA’s tests feed into the STEP Programme, a prototype fusion power plant planned for West Burton, North Nottinghamshire. The plant targets operation by 2040. According to a recent Amion report, STEP will create 6,500 on-site jobs and more during construction.
The campus aims to become a global hub for fusion research. It will partner with local education providers to build career pathways in fusion-related fields.
Dr James Cowan, STEP Programme Director at UKIFS, said, “Creating clean, sustainable energy requires collaboration across science, engineering, and construction. ELSA shows how testing and innovation help us develop technologies for STEP and future fusion plants.”
