Scientific & Research Markets
Scientific research is constantly addressing the important challenges facing society. This advanced field uses ground breaking methods to solve technical problems and advance human knowledge, combining the resources of academic and business institutes to stimulate innovation.
Essex X-Ray work in partnership with internationally renowned organisations to facilitate projects in physical and life sciences. The pioneering work carried out at these facilities has been supported by the expertise and manufacturing capabilities of Essex X-Ray. Our impressive portfolio of work alongside scientific research centres ranges from designing bespoke high voltage cable to building and installing neutron detectors.
UK Atomic Energy Authority UKAEA
Fusion energy has great potential to deliver safe, sustainable, low carbon energy for generations to come. It is based on the same processes that power the sun and stars.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority UKAEA hosts several facilities at its main campus at Culham Science Centre (CCFE) in Oxfordshire, including JET (Joint European Torus) which has set world records for fusion performance, and MAST-U (Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak-Upgrade) which is leading the world in research into compact fusion devices. Essex X-Ray has a long association with CCFE and continues to collaborate on current and future projects.
UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) opened a new £22m (US$27m) fusion research centre in South Yorkshire in 2020. Culham Science Centre (CCFE) Fusion Technology Programme will be home to the CHIMERA test rig – and will work with industry to develop and test materials and components that can cope with the conditions found inside a fusion power plant.
The UK Government is providing £220 million of funding for the first phase of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), which will see the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) produce a concept design by 2024 and targeting first operations in the early 2040s.
UK’s West Burton power station site in North Nottinghamshire will be home to the ground-breaking STEP prototype fusion energy plant.
The STEP plant will be designed and constructed to demonstrate the ability to put net electricity on the grid. It will also pave the way to enable future commercial fusion energy plants to be commissioned and constructed around the world.
ESS Launch: The Power of Neutrons
When it begins operations in 2023, the European Spallation Source (ESS) will be the most powerful neutron source in the world. Its beams will help scientists to look deep into the fundamental structure of materials, and will be a vital resource for research into health and medicine, cultural heritage, environmental technology and much more. Essex X-Ray will support the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) in the UK’s contribution to this historic project.