Researchers at the Materials Processing Institute, based in South Bank, Middlesbrough, have achieved the mass production of fusion-ready steel.
This groundbreaking development will play a vital role in the next generation of nuclear fusion power plants, offering clean, limitless energy and securing Teesside’s place at the forefront of global industrial innovation.
Fusion-ready steel, known as Reduced Activation Ferritic-Martensitic (RAFM) steel, is critical for the success of nuclear fusion technology.
Using advanced Electric Arc Furnace technology at the Materials Processing Institute, researchers have scaled up production to 5.5 tonnes, paving the way for cost-effective manufacturing and with the potential to reduce production costs by up to ten times.
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Chris McDonald MP, Member of Parliament for Stockton North and former CEO of the Materials Processing Institute, said: “Teesside has always been the heart of British industry, and today, we’re proving again why we lead in innovation. This achievement by the Materials Processing Institute showcases the talent and expertise that make Teesside the place where history and the future meet.
“When the atom was first split, it changed history. Now, Teesside ingenuity will power the next leap forward – allowing us to harness nuclear fusion to create clean, limitless energy for generations.”
“From starting at this institute straight from school to becoming CEO and leading projects like this, I’ve always believed in Teesside’s ability to drive change. Now, as an MP, I’m committed to keeping Teesside at the forefront of these exciting new industries.”
Richard Birley, NEURONE project lead at the Materials Processing Institute, said: “As the only sovereign UK steel research facility able to produce RAFM steel at this scale, this is a groundbreaking moment for nuclear fusion research and development.
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The production of 5.5 tonnes of fusion-grade RAFM steel lays the foundation for cost-effective manufacturing of these steels for future commercial fusion programmes.”
Anna Turley, Member of Parliament for Redcar & Cleveland, said: “Teesside was once the furnace that powered the industrial revolution, producing the steel that built the world. As part of a new industrial renaissance on the banks of the River Tees ushered in by this new government, our region continues to lead the way – at the forefront of a clean energy economy, creating jobs and driving cutting-edge innovation.
“It’s fantastic to see Redcar and Cleveland playing a key role in shaping the future of energy. Congratulations to the team at MPI for this incredible achievement.”
The Materials Processing Institute led trials enabling the manufacture, testing, and analysis of specialist high-temperature steels, initially at laboratory scale, leading to this latest industrial-scale success.
The success comes alongside Teesside’s critical role in industrial decarbonisation and clean energy, complementing regional projects in hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage, and renewable energy.