Pioneering Fusion Energy Training
Image Source: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Advanced Digital Training Solutions
Simulating Tritium Operations
Developed with Bilfinger UK, the virtual control room enables operators of the UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility to conduct simulated training exercises in a safe environment. The system allows UKAEA to test changes to H3AT’s operating parameters, enhancing process optimization and efficiency.
Supporting Industry Innovation
The facility also allows third-party companies to test their fuel cycle management systems. This strengthens UKAEA’s position as a world leader in digital platforms for fusion energy research and training.
Leading the Fusion Revolution
Stephen Wheeler, Executive Director for Fusion Technology and Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, highlighted the facility’s impact:
The UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility will be the largest and most advanced tritium fuel cycle in the world. It also represents a significant advance in the enhancement of industry capability within the fusion sector. By creating this digital control room with the support of Bilfinger, we’re increasing technical capability and supporting industry to deliver the mechanisms that will serve fusion in the future. The development will provide an unprecedented opportunity to train the next generation of fusion engineers through cutting-edge virtual simulation technology.
Using digital technology for training is standard across UKAEA divisions. This approach is now applied to the UKAEA-Eni H3AT Tritium Loop Facility, supporting a broad supply chain.
Collaboration Driving Progress
Bilfinger UK, a Tier One contractor, coordinated with subcontractors like Schneider Electric, AVEVA, and Siemens. Darren Clement, Vice President EAP at Bilfinger Engineering and Maintenance UK, stated:
The exciting research at Culham has the potential to dramatically change the world’s future energy mix – realising the potential for safe, clean, and virtually limitless energy. This virtual control room will give UKAEA the ability to further improve its processes while also ensuring staff are able to learn the important skills needed to help make sure operations run smoothly and safely.
It also provides stakeholders insight into the groundbreaking work at Culham. Bilfinger has supported the nuclear industry for 60 years, aiding pioneers in delivering clean energy.
Proven Digital Expertise
UKAEA excels in using digital platforms to boost efficiency in training and technology development. The Remote Operations team at the Joint European Torus (JET) has used such platforms for over 25 years, now aiding fusion machine decommissioning. A digital rehearsal of fuel debris retrieval at Fukushima Daiichi was conducted using the Next Generation Digital Mock-Up (NG-DMU), developed with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, UK Research and Innovation, and Tokyo Electric Power Company.
Source
This article is based on information provided by the UK Atomic Energy Authority, published on October 27, 2025.