JET’s repurposing and decommissioning programme
2024 marks the beginning of a new era at UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), as the iconic Joint European Torus (JET) facility transitioned in December 2023 from its plasma science operations into the next stage of its lifecycle: the JET Decommissioning and Repurposing (JDR) programme.
JET has been a cornerstone of fusion energy for over 40 years and it will continue contributing towards global fusion efforts for years to come – the learnings from repurposing and decommissioning JET will make a huge difference to ITER, the international collaboration to build the world’s largest tokamak in the South of France.
The final phase of JET is anticipated to last until c.2040, in which time it will provide unparalleled insights to aid the design and development of future fusion machines. The first-of-its-kind programme will be hosted at UKAEA’s Culham Campus, with a suite of other groundbreaking fusion projects set to take place at our other sites, such as:
- Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), the UK’s prototype fusion powerplant to be built in Nottinghamshire
- Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak Upgrade (MAST-U), a spherical tokamak design project focused on fusion energy efficiency, fully operational at Culham
- Tritium Fuel Cycle (formerly H3AT), the UK’s leading facility in tritium (a critical element in creating fusion) research at Culham
- CHIMERA, the world’s first machine capable of testing components under fusion powerplant conditions in Yorkshire.
Moving into this new age, JDR forms an integral part of the UK Government’s fusion energy strategy within Fusion Futures, the UK’s alternative programme to associating to Euratom R&T, which aims to build a globally competitive fusion sector. JET’s incredible success is acknowledged and celebrated, and its repurposing and decommissioning will continue to build on the knowledge and data amassed during its operation. It will also enable a smooth transition for the talented and skilled JET team and will drive fusion research forward.
JDR will assist with the development of powerplant regulations. Tritium as an important fuel (and not waste) will be recovered and there will be intelligent use of robotics to reduce any hazards and increase efficiencies. JET’s legacy will be pervasive in all future fusion machines and powerplants.
Why is JET being repurposed and decommissioned now? Why not keep it open until ITER and other DT machines are online?
JET has been instrumental in advancing fusion energy for over four decades, symbolising international scientific collaboration, engineering excellence, and the commitment to harness the power of fusion energy – the same reactions that fuel the Sun and stars.
JET’s original lifespan was intended to be 8 years. The additional 32 years of operations have provided invaluable data and insight for fusion’s development across the globe. However, JET is getting older and is at a point that would require substantial time and investment for upgrades to be able to continue operations.
The UK Government’s fusion energy strategy is clear that we must plan for and invest in the future of fusion energy, and this final programme for JET aligns with these efforts and our mission to deliver sustainable fusion power.
What are the expectations and timelines for JDR?
UKAEA has secured funding from HM Government to repurpose and decommission JET by employing innovative cost-saving methods, a waste stream hierarchy, and optimising tritium recovery. JDR aims to develop, implement, and demonstrate new technologies that will position the UK for future international markets. JET’s facilities will be repurposed to support UK science and innovation, leveraging the knowledge gained from operating JET and the process of repurposing and decommissioning to enhance the key skills base in the UK fusion sector.
JDR is expected to continue until c.2040, following an initial phase focused on research and development between 2023 and 2025. After this period, efforts will commence to remove tiles and components from inside the tokamak, the clearance of auxiliary buildings, and decommission select assets and support systems.
What will happen to plasma science at UKAEA?
Research in plasma science will persist through the analysis of data gathered during JET’s scientific campaigns, ongoing research at Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak Upgrade (MAST-U), in developing Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) as a prototype powerplant, and in advancements in research methodologies.
UKAEA’s scientists will continue to work with international partners to expand knowledge and deepen the understanding of plasma and fusion energy physics.
Strategic overview
Link to: JET’s Decommissioning & Repurposing: Strategic Overview (youtube.com)
Link to: JET Decommissioning & Repurposing overview pamphlet
