Government Press Release on LIBRTI Project

It is exciting to see a government press release focusing on the fusion-fuel development site that our SOLID Structural & Civils team are working on with AtkinsRéalis.

Published last week (January 2025) the press release concentrates on UKAEA’S Lithium Breeding Tritium Innovation (LIBRTI) programme which is pioneering fusion fuel advancements. The testbed facility, to be built at the Culham campus in Oxfordshire, will be the first of its kind. Future fusion power plants will rely on two hydrogen isotopes - deuterium and tritium to produce energy. Deuterium can be readily extracted from seawater. Tritium, however, is in scarce supply, necessitating the development of methods to produce it sustainably.

The article explains – ‘To address this challenge, tritium must be produced (or ‘bred’) in a lithium-containing blanket that surrounds the fusion reaction. This ‘breeder blanket’ will perform several tasks:

  • Tritium production: React with high-energy neutrons produced during fusion to generate tritium

  • Heat absorption: Capturing the immense heat generated by fusion reactions for energy conversion

  • Act as a shield: Protecting the machine’s components from radiation damage.

By ensuring a continuous supply of tritium for the fusion machine’s operations, the breeder blanket enables a self-sustaining fuel cycle.

SHINE Technologies, USA, is expected to deliver a 14 mega electron volt (MeV) deuterium-tritium fusion system to provide the LIBRTI neutron source in 2027.’

To learn more about the process read the press release in full by clicking here.

The concept and detailed process design of the main H3AT facility has been completed, with construction now on site. SOLID are thrilled to be working on the Culham Campus development and will keep you up to date on site progress over the coming months.

 

Sarah Jarman