ILIOS is a joint venture between Kier and Nuvia, supported by Aecom, AL_A Architects and Turner & Townsend. The contract is value at 拢200m, and will see the JV acting as principal design and build contractor. The project is being lead by STEP Fusion, a UK programme to build a prototype聽 sphericalTokomak reactor鈥攁 technology similar to that being developed in experimental form at ITER in France.
The STEP Fusion programme is run through UKAEA-owned UK Fusion Energy. It aims to develop fusion energy, scale it, and then deliver it at pace. The initial goal is to achieve net energy output, proving fusion energy鈥檚 commercial viability.
ILIOS will be responsible for delivering all construction work under STEP leadership, and managing all early enabling works. It will coordinate design integration, civil engineering, buildings and site infrastructure, and oversee supply chains, logistics and sequencing, while meeting all safety, sustainability and quality requirements. It will provide continuity and capability across a build programme leading to planned operation in 2040.
Lord Vallance, minister for science, innovation, research and nuclear said, 鈥淲e can be proud that Britain will lead the way on research, innovation and skills for a future of limitless fusion energy.聽By backing our fusion industry, we are not only securing our future energy independence, but from innovation and research to engineers, we are also providing the skilled clean energy jobs of the future for British people.鈥澛�
Simon Matthews, programme director for ILIOS said: 鈥淭his is a significant milestone in the UK鈥檚 transition to clean energy. Following an extensive and collaborative procurement stage, we are proud to be selected as construction partner for the聽STEP programme and to be part of this innovative and transformative chapter in energy supply.聽
鈥淭hrough our involvement on the STEP programme, we will help advance the UK鈥檚 future energy resilience and decarbonisation ambitions, supporting economic and regional growth, high-quality jobs and the development of a long-term, UK-based, fusion supply chain.鈥澛�