UKAEA and Eni Establish Joint Venture for Fusion Energy Services

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Eni have established RH3OVA, a joint venture incorporated in the UK, aimed at supporting the industrial development of fusion energy. The company will offer specialist consultancy and operational services to the global fusion sector.

RH3OVA will concentrate on fuel-cycle technologies, identified as a critical challenge for the commercial viability of fusion power plants. This focus includes the safe production, use, recovery, and reuse of deuterium and tritium, the primary fuels for fusion. The venture aims to provide end-to-end support for fusion development projects, from initial feasibility studies through to operational phases.

Stephen Wheeler, Executive Director for Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, stated that the UK's extensive experience in tritium technology, gained over decades of research and operation of the Joint European Torus, must now be scaled beyond laboratory settings. "RH3OVA will combine UKAEA’s scientific and operational knowledge with Eni’s large-scale industrial capability," he said.

Lorenzo Fiorillo, Director for Technology, Research and Development and Digital at Eni, highlighted the joint venture as a further step in Eni's commitment to fostering industrial fusion development. The initiative builds on existing collaboration between UKAEA and Eni, including work on the H3AT Tritium Loop Facility, and supports strategic goals within the UK's Fusion Strategy.