Joint venture to accelerate progress towards fusion energy

Rh3ova is a newly formed collaboration between the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and global energy tech company Eni, incorporated in the UK.

The venture will provide specialist consultancy and operational services to the emerging global fusion energy sector.

Fusion technology has long been considered a potential clean and virtually limitless energy source, but significant technical hurdles remain.

Stephen Wheeler, executive director of tritium fuel cycle at UKAEA, said: “Having operated the Joint European Torus, which was the world’s most powerful deuterium-tritium fusion machine for more than 40 years, and with 30 years’ experience of tritium operations, the UK is a leader in tritium fuel cycle technology.

“For fusion to be realised as a commercially viable source of energy, however, this expertise must be scaled beyond the lab.

“Rh3ova will combine UKAEA’s scientific and operational know-how, with Eni’s large-scale industrial capability, and leverage this joint expertise to increase knowledge and understanding across the fusion sector.”

Fusion energy relies on deuterium and tritium, which are both heavier isotopes of hydrogen, and serve as the main fuel in experimental nuclear fusion reactors.

Tritium management poses a major challenge due to its scarcity and the complex technologies required for its production, use, and recovery in a fusion power cycle.

Lorenzo Fiorillo, director of technology, R&D, and digital at Eni, said: “Fusion energy has the potential to redefine the global energy landscape, and at Eni we are committed on multiple fronts to turning this potential into tangible industrial progress.”