February 2025 Metallurgy Blog
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February 22, 2025
UKAEA Develops Neutron Resistant Fusion-Grade Steel for Next-Generation Energy
UKAEA Develops Neutron Resistant Fusion-Grade Steel for Next-Generation Energy
Scientists at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have successfully produced fusion-grade steel on an industrial scale, a major milestone in advancing nuclear fusion as a viable energy source. One of the biggest challenges in fusion energy development is creating materials that can withstand extreme heat and radiation. UKAEA’s Neurone consortium has addressed this with a new type of steel capable of enduring temperatures up to 650 degrees Celsius (1,202 degrees Fahrenheit) and high neutron exposure.
The breakthrough material, Reduced-Activation Ferritic-Martensitic (RAFM) steel, is designed specifically for fusion reactors. When produced at an industrial scale, it could reduce manufacturing costs by up to tenfold, making fusion power plants more financially viable. Lower production costs are critical in accelerating the transition to commercial fusion energy and ensuring its economic competitiveness.
As part of a £12 million ($15.2 million) initiative, the Neurone consortium produced 5.5 tonnes (12,125 pounds) of RAFM steel using a seven-tonne (15,432-pound) electric arc furnace at the UK's Materials Processing Institute. This marks the first large-scale production of RAFM steel, demonstrating that existing industrial infrastructure can support the manufacture of advanced materials for fusion reactors.
Dr. David Bowden, UKAEA’s lead on materials science, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Developing structural materials able to withstand extreme temperatures and high neutron loads is a major challenge for delivering fusion energy.” This innovation brings fusion power closer to reality, potentially transforming global energy systems. Learn more about this topic here.
The breakthrough material, Reduced-Activation Ferritic-Martensitic (RAFM) steel, is designed specifically for fusion reactors. When produced at an industrial scale, it could reduce manufacturing costs by up to tenfold, making fusion power plants more financially viable. Lower production costs are critical in accelerating the transition to commercial fusion energy and ensuring its economic competitiveness.
As part of a £12 million ($15.2 million) initiative, the Neurone consortium produced 5.5 tonnes (12,125 pounds) of RAFM steel using a seven-tonne (15,432-pound) electric arc furnace at the UK's Materials Processing Institute. This marks the first large-scale production of RAFM steel, demonstrating that existing industrial infrastructure can support the manufacture of advanced materials for fusion reactors.
Dr. David Bowden, UKAEA’s lead on materials science, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Developing structural materials able to withstand extreme temperatures and high neutron loads is a major challenge for delivering fusion energy.” This innovation brings fusion power closer to reality, potentially transforming global energy systems. Learn more about this topic here.
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