STEP Engineering System Partners Procurement

Background The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme aims to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant by 2040, while also developing a robust fusion supply chain and a pathway to commercial fusion. Achieving this vision requires the delivery of an unprecedented and complex engineering design, alongside a major infrastructure project involving a large and diverse supply chain, all on an ambitious timeline. STEP is a central component of the UK’s long-term vision for commercial fusion energy and national energy security. The STEP programme directly supports the UK Government’s strategic objectives in clean energy innovation, energy resilience, and global technological leadership. Fusion energy is recognised as a potential transformative low-carbon energy source, offering long-term reductions in reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating exposure to volatile international energy markets. System Partners Opportunity UKFE is seeking to procure suitable Suppliers (an individual organisation, consortium or joint venture) across 5 Lots to support the delivery of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant. The information for each Lot below represents an overview of the requirements and the definitive statement of UKFE’s requirements is set out in the Capability Statements provided with the procurement documents. The term of the Contract under each Lot will be two (2) years with an option to extend for one (1) year on two (2) occasions, at the discretion of UKFE. The total contract length will not exceed four (4) years. The maximum value for each Lot is set out below and includes expenses (excluding VAT) for the initial term and for the extension period. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Engineering-services./3M5EHF9G8W To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/respond/3M5EHF9G8W

• Breeder Blanket System Partner (BBSP) · £20,000,000 · active
• Fuel Cycle System Partner (FCSP) · £20,000,000 · active
• Test Operations Partner (TOP) · £35,000,000 · active
• Control System Partner (CSP) · £15,000,000 · active
• System Engineering and Whole Plant Integration Partner (SEWPIP) · £25,000,000 · active

Check the original notice for each lot’s scope, eligibility and deadline.

• 11 Nov 2026 · Opportunity published