UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), soon to be known as UK Fusion Energy, will appoint ILIOS as the construction partner for the STEP Fusion programme. The contract, valued at £200 million ($266.5 million), represents a significant milestone in the transformation of the West Burton site into a leading prototype fusion energy plant in the UK. ILIOS is a consortium led by a joint venture between Kier and Nuvia.
The ILIOS consortium has been strategically formed by global infrastructure and engineering leaders to deliver the first phase of the UK’s STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) fusion programme. This ambitious initiative aims to harness the power of fusion for a sustainable future.
At the helm of the ILIOS consortium is a collaboration between UK-based Kier Infrastructure and France-based Nuvia, a nuclear specialist subsidiary of Vinci. Each member brings distinct capabilities to the four-and-a-half-year contract, showcasing a synergy that promises to propel the STEP programme forward.
- Kier’s expertise lies in the delivery of major UK transport and energy infrastructure projects, ensuring robust execution of the fusion facility.
- Nuvia contributes its extensive experience in safety-critical nuclear engineering, bringing a wealth of knowledge from high-hazard projects.
- US-based AECOM, a renowned engineering consultancy, serves as a strategic partner, providing design and technical services tailored for complex scientific and energy environments.
- Architecture plays a vital role, with UK firm AL_A (led by Amanda Levete) tasked with creating the architectural vision for this innovative landscape.
- To manage the programme’s unfolding complexities, UK-based Turner & Townsend will oversee cost management, risk assessment, and integration within the infrastructure portfolio.
- Additionally, specialist partners such as Bam Nuttall and Optima Systems Consultancy will focus on civil engineering and systems engineering, respectively, ensuring comprehensive support across all technical aspects of the project.
Paul Methven, CEO of UKIFS and Responsible Officer for STEP Fusion, expressed confidence in the appointment of ILIOS. His remarks highlighted that “their combined expertise in major infrastructure and safety-critical engineering gives us real confidence as we move from planning into delivery.” Methven emphasized that this partnership is crucial for establishing West Burton as a center of fusion innovation, integral to the UK’s clean energy landscape.
Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research & Nuclear, reinforced this sentiment by stating that while the STEP programme is unique, the ILIOS consortium possesses extensive experience spanning major national infrastructure, high-hazard civil engineering, and complex scientific facilities. Such expertise instills confidence that the team is well-equipped to meet the challenges the project presents.
Simon Matthews, Programme Director for ILIOS, portrayed this moment as a pivotal occasion in the UK’s transition to clean energy. “Following an extensive and collaborative procurement stage, we are honored to be selected as the construction partner for the STEP programme, marking an exciting chapter in energy supply,” he noted, indicating the high aspirations associated with the initiative.
As the designated Construction Partner, ILIOS will oversee every aspect of the construction at the West Burton site, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in various areas:
- As the principal design and build contractor, ILIOS will spearhead the entire construction process.
- They will handle all construction activities under the guidance of STEP leadership, ensuring coherence in project execution.
- Managing early enabling works will prominently feature in their responsibilities, laying a solid foundation for subsequent phases.
- ILIOS will coordinate design integration alongside civil engineering, buildings, and site infrastructure.
- Efficient supply chain management and logistics will be crucial for maintaining schedules and resource flows.
- Meeting safety, sustainability, and quality expectations will be non-negotiable priorities throughout the construction phase.
- Finally, ensuring continuity and capability across the build programme is vital for achieving planned operations by 2040.
