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UK Fusion Energy Ltd: Cryogenics Partner for the STEP Programme

  UK Fusion Energy Ltd is using Delta eSourcing to run this tender exercise

Notice Summary
Title: Cryogenics Partner for the STEP Programme
Notice type: UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice
Authority: UK Fusion Energy Ltd
Nature of contract: Services
Procedure: Above threshold - Open procedure
Short Description: The proposed scope under consideration comprises three principal areas: Cryogenic Plant; Cryogenic Distribution System; and Cryogenic User Integration. The STEP cryogenic system is intended to provide the cryogenic cooling infrastructure required to support major plant systems throughout the STEP Prototype Powerplant. Current concepts indicate that the system will comprise a large-scale cryogenic plant, an extensive cryogenic distribution network and integration with multiple cryogenic users across the programme. The system is expected to provide refrigeration across a range of temperature levels, including approximately 80 K, 20 K and 4.5 K, using a combination of helium, hydrogen and nitrogen as cryogenic fluids. The cryogenic system is expected to deliver approximately 65 kWth of cooling at 4.5 K equivalent. The refrigeration load is comprised of approximately 520 kWth at 80 K, 170 kWth at 20 K, and 8 kWth at 4.5 K.
Published: 02/10/2026 10:22
This opportunity is currently OPEN. To respond to the opportunity, please click Register Interest and follow the on-screen instructions.
UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice Published 02/10/2026

Cryogenics Partner for the STEP Programme


Contracting authority




Contracting authority:

UK Fusion Energy Ltd


Public Procurement Organisation Number:

PCRM-7973-DCBL


Address:


Culham Campus, Abingdon, Oxfordshire
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:


Open procedure





Preliminary market engagement conducted:

Not provided






Special regime:


None



Scope



Title:

Cryogenics Partner for the STEP Programme


Reference number:

1071075774


Main category:

SERVICES



Description:

The proposed scope under consideration comprises three principal areas: Cryogenic Plant; Cryogenic Distribution System; and Cryogenic User Integration.

The STEP cryogenic system is intended to provide the cryogenic cooling infrastructure required to support major plant systems throughout the STEP Prototype Powerplant. Current concepts indicate that the system will comprise a large-scale cryogenic plant, an extensive cryogenic distribution network and integration with multiple cryogenic users across the programme. The system is expected to provide refrigeration across a range of temperature levels, including approximately 80 K, 20 K and 4.5 K, using a combination of helium, hydrogen and nitrogen as cryogenic fluids. The cryogenic system is expected to deliver approximately 65 kWth of cooling at 4.5 K equivalent. The refrigeration load is comprised of approximately 520 kWth at 80 K, 170 kWth at 20 K, and 8 kWth at 4.5 K.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Heat-exchange-units-and-machinery-for-liquefying-air-or-other-gases./3DSBJT2RU2

To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/respond/3DSBJT2RU2


Total value (estimated):


GBP 0 excluding VAT

GBP 0 including VAT



Contract dates (estimated):

01/01/2027 to 31/03/2029


CPV classifications:


42511000 - Heat-exchange units and machinery for liquefying air or other gases.

42511200 - Machinery for liquefying air or other gases.

71320000 - Engineering design services.

71323000 - Engineering design services for industrial process and production.

71323200 - Plant engineering design services.

71340000 - Integrated engineering services.

73300000 - Design and execution of research and development.



Delivery regions:


UK - UNITED KINGDOM





Participation



Suitable for SMEs:

Yes


Suitable for VCSEs:

No



Engagement



Engagement deadline:

13/11/2026


Engagement status:


The engagement has not yet been carried out.


Engagement process description:

To respond to this PMEN, please complete and submit Appendix 1 responses via the e-portal by 14:00 on Friday 13th November 2026. Early responses would be appreciated to help inform planning decisions. If you experience any difficulties with the portal, please contact the portal helpdesk svc-delta-help@communities.gov.uk cc ema.burden@ukifs.uk and phoebe.legard@ukifs.uk

Information obtained from responses to Appendix 1 – responses will help UKFE understand current market capabilities and shape the scope, direction, and design of the future procurement activities.



Submission



Publication date of tender notice (estimated):

31/12/2026



Other organisations


Not provided