UK Fusion Energy Ltd: Design for Longevity- Electrolyser Prototype Design

Contracting Authorities

Contracting authority:

UK Fusion Energy Ltd

Public Procurement Organisation Number:

PCRM-7973-DCBL

Address:

Culham Campus, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, Abingdon
Abingdon
OX14 3DB
UK

Contact name:

Operational Procurement

Email:

operationalprocurement.step@ukifs.uk

Telephone:

Not provided

Website:

Not provided

Organisation type:

BODY_PUBLIC

Devolved regulations that apply:

None

Procedure

Procedure type:

Below threshold - open competition

Dynamic market:

Not provided

Special regime:

None

Scope

Title:

Design for Longevity- Electrolyser Prototype Design

Reference number:

PP-UKIFS-598

Main procurement category:

SERVICES

Description:

The STEP Fuel Cycle is the subsystem responsible for recovering, purifying and supplying tritium to the STEP fusion reactor. Tritium is present in a variety of forms, phases and compositions, including tritiated water. Vapour-phase electrolysis techniques such as solid-oxide electrolysis have been identified as a suitable technique for processing small quantities of tritiated water. The scope is to deliver the conceptual design of an electrolyser system (electrochemical cell or stack). This includes, but is not limited to, components of the electrolyser: electrolytes, electrodes, interconnects, separators, electrical connections, vessels, structural components, seals, gaskets, heating elements, inlet/outlet pipes, ports, flanges and instrumentation. The scope does not include conceptual design of ‘Balance of Plant’ equipment such as power supplies, pumps, purification stages, boilers, compressors or dehumidifiers. However, the impact on balance of plant equipment must be considered in design decisions for the electrolyser itself.

The scope is structured into three sequential phases with interim milestones. These phases will progressively develop technical understanding, validate assumptions, and converge on agreed technical content.

Total value (estimated):

GBP 125,000 excluding VAT

GBP 150,000 including VAT

Contract value:

GBP 150,000 including VAT

Contract Details

Title:

Design for Longevity- Electrolyser Prototype Design

Reference number:

Not provided

Contract value:

GBP 144,000 including VAT

Below the relevant threshold:

Yes

Award decision date:

15/09/2026

Earliest date the contract will be signed:

25/09/2026

Contract dates (estimated):

28/09/2026 to 31/03/2027

Main procurement category:

SERVICES

CPV classifications:

71300000 - Engineering services.

73100000 - Research and experimental development services.

73120000 - Experimental development services.

Delivery regions:

UK - UNITED KINGDOM

Supplier

Supplier:

AqSorption Limited

Companies House:

PPVX-9479-CLYZ

Address:

15a Great Northern Way, Netherfield
Nottingham
NG4 2HD
UK

Email:

jonny@aqsorp.com

Telephone:

Not provided

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME):

Yes

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE):

No

Supported employment provider:

No

Public service mutual:

No

Other organisations