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.”

NEW PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION “Wounded Water” to open at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford as part of the MA in Professional Photography show.

Andrew Perris is proud to announce Wounded Water, which focuses on the decline of our valuable waterways from both an environmental and human perspective. Wounded Water is a photographic journey along a chalk stream, the River Ems in Sussex. Chalk streams are a globally rare phenomenon, with only around 220 worldwide, 85% of which are situated in the United Kingdom.

We are reaching a point of no return to save these wonders, whilst this work is a call to action, it also seeks to reveal the beauty in the seemingly ordinary and mundane, uncovering the hidden details of a stream that many might pass without a second glance. It also challenges the belief that meaningful natural experiences require travel to distant and exotic places, and show this beauty can be found within a short distance of our homes.

The exhibition will run from 13th June 2026 to 21st June 2026, with a special opening reception and artist meet-and-greet on 12th June 2026 from 18.00 to 20.00h

Taking place at Oxford Brookes University, located at NHBB GALLERY – NHBB BUILDING

HEADINGTON HILL CAMPUS, OX3 0BP

The opening reception on 12th June is free and open to the public, and the artist will be available for interviews and to discuss the inspiration behind the work.

Following the opening, the exhibition can be viewed daily 10.00 – 16.00h

Admission to the gallery is free.

Royal Mail will introduce the new delivery model nationwide by December, following a review of its Universal Service Obligation (USO) by communications regulator Ofcom.

A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Royal Mail plays a vital role in connecting the nation through its one-price-goes-anywhere service.

“For many years, the Universal Service Obligation has required us to collect and deliver letters to every UK address six days a week.

“Following an extensive consultation process involving many stakeholders, Ofcom announced reforms to the Universal Service in July 2025.

“Letters remain an important means of keeping us connected but fewer are being sent these days.

“These changes to the Universal Service will help us deliver a more reliable and sustainable service for you in the future.”

Under the revised USO, second-class and non-priority letters will be delivered on alternate weekdays, Monday to Friday, with a new target of delivery within three weekdays.

Royal Mail has started distributing leaflets to households explaining the changes, which are expected to apply to all 1,200 delivery units by the end of the year.

First-class mail will continue to be delivered six days a week, Monday through Saturday.

Regulatory targets have also been lowered.

Royal Mail will now aim to deliver 90 percent of first-class letters the next day, down from 93 percent previously.

For second-class mail, the target drops to 95 percent delivered within three days, down from 98.5 percent.

Ofcom’s July 2025 report described the changes as essential, stating that “urgent reform is needed for the universal service to survive.”

The regulator noted that since the introduction of the six-day delivery obligation in 2011, annual letter volumes have more than halved, making the service increasingly costly to maintain.

Royal Mail has seen revenue from letters drop from £6.9 billion in 2008 to £3.7 billion.

The company estimates the new delivery model could save between £250 million and £425 million per year.

Natalie Black, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, said: “These changes are in the best interests of consumers and businesses, as urgent reform of the postal service is necessary to give it the best chance of survival.

“But changing Royal Mail’s obligations alone won’t guarantee a better service and the company now has to play its part and implement this effectively.

“We’ll be making sure Royal Mail is clear with its customers about what’s happening, and passes the benefits of these changes on to them.”

Ofcom has also launched a review into the affordability of stamp prices and plans to hold a public consultation next year.