The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) plays a crucial role in advancing fusion energy by developing expertise in tritium handling, isotope separation, and fuel cycle management. Since April 2023, UKAEA’s Tritium Training Course has trained over 180 fusion professionals, equipping them with critical skills for effective tritium management.
This case study explores UKAEA’s collaboration with Helion Energy, a U.S.-based private fusion company, through a tailored 10-day training program. It highlights the program’s structure, outcomes, and its broader impact on international fusion development.
Key Highlights:
UKAEA is a global leader in tritium fuel cycle research and is committed to supporting fusion energy development. Since launching its Tritium Training Course in April 2023, UKAEA has trained professionals from over 20 organisations, including private-sector fusion companies, universities, and regulatory bodies. This initiative aims to address the growing need for specialised tritium expertise as fusion technology advances toward commercialisation.
“The Tritium Training Course is an important part of our work in the division to develop tritium expertise both internally and externally to UKAEA.” — Sarah Clark, Tritium Fuel Cycle Director, UKAEA
As part of this effort, UKAEA collaborated with Helion Energy, a U.S.-based private fusion company, to design a bespoke 10-day internship at the Culham Campus. The objective was to provide Helion’s engineers with real-world experience in tritium handling and processing within an operational fusion fuel cycle facility.
Challenge
For private fusion companies like Helion Energy, mastering tritium management is essential for advancing their fusion concepts. However, access to operational tritium facilities remains a significant hurdle. Key challenges include:
- Limited Access to Operational Facilities: Private fusion firms lack hands-on exposure to active tritium processing plants.
- Need for Specialised Training: Safe and efficient tritium handling requires expertise in isotope separation, impurity removal, and safety compliance.
- Regulatory and Safety Considerations: Companies must adhere to strict tritium safety and regulatory protocols, which require in-depth understanding and practical experience.
Recognising these challenges, Helion Energy turned to UKAEA to gain critical expertise through a structured and immersive training program.
Solution
To bridge this knowledge gap, UKAEA designed a customised internship program focusing on core aspects of tritium fuel cycle operations. Over ten days, five engineers and physicists from Helion engaged in theoretical and hands-on learning across multiple aspects of tritium management. Hosted at the JET Active Gas Handling System (AGHS), this initiative provided Helion Energy’s engineers with direct involvement in:
Program structure:
- Tritium Handling and Processing
- AGHS Introduction and Plant Walkthrough
- Isotope Separation and Impurity Removal Operations
- Cryogenic Distillation (CD) and Gas Chromatography (GC) Operations
- Cryogenic Forevacuum (CF) and Vacuum Pump Train Operations
- Tritium Safety and Control
- Tritium Analytics and Accountancy
- Radiological Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Tritium Analysis and Detritiation Facilities
- Customised Learning Experience
- In-depth discussions on tritium fuel cycle challenges
- Application of best practices to Helion’s specific fusion needs
Outcome
The success of this training program reinforced UKAEA’s leadership in fusion fuel cycle development while delivering tangible benefits to Helion Energy. Key outcomes included:
- Expanded Industry Training Capabilities: UKAEA demonstrated the scalability of its Tritium Training Course by customising it for private-sector needs.
- Enhanced Tritium Expertise for Helion Energy: Helion’s engineers gained hands-on operational experience, improving their capability to manage tritium safely and efficiently.
- Strengthened International Collaboration: The exchange of expertise fostered deeper synergies between UKAEA and Helion Energy. By integrating insights from UKAEA’s operational experience with Helion’s fusion approaches, both organisations strengthened their technological foundations for future projects.
- Real-World Application of Best Practices: Helion’s engineers were capable of directly applying the learning to their fusion development roadmap.
“Sophie and the UKAEA team ensured we had a thorough understanding of tritium operations. Their expertise and willingness to engage made the experience invaluable. The insight gained at UKAEA will have a lasting impact on Helion’s tritium management strategies.”
— Bryce Alexander, Fusion Fuel Cycle Engineer, Helion Energy
Conclusion
UKAEA’s collaboration with Helion Energy highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing fusion energy. The successful training initiative exemplifies UKAEA’s commitment to support the fusion industry by sharing critical expertise in tritium handling. With over 180 professionals trained since April 2023, the Tritium Training Course has become an essential resource for fusion companies, universities, and regulators.
Sarah Clark, Tritium Fuel Cycle Director, UKAEA, highlighted:
“We have extensive expertise at UKAEA, and it is important to make our knowledge available to our peers from across the fusion sector. It has been really pleasing to come into a division where there is such a positive and proactive approach to providing outstanding professional development opportunities.”
Further opportunities
Looking ahead, UKAEA is expanding its training offerings to reach a wider audience, including on-location courses tailored to company-specific needs. This initiative aligns with UKAEA’s aim of supporting the safe and sustainable commercialisation of fusion energy.
Upcoming course dates for 2025 include 11th September and 13th November—spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Further dates for 2026 will be announced soon—stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to join this industry-leading course.
UKAEA remains committed to advancing tritium science and engineering capabilities to support the fusion industry. Our Tritium Training Course offers attendees the chance to learn directly from UKAEA’s experts and tour the Active Gas Handling Facility, one of the world’s leading tritium processing plants.
For more information about future courses and to sign up, please contact: tritiumtrainingcourse@bd.ukaea.uk.
As fusion research accelerates globally, UKAEA continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of clean energy.