A delegation led by Damien Owens, Director General of Engineers Ireland, recently visited the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) at Culham Science Centre near Oxford to explore the growing opportunities for Irish engineers and organisations in the rapidly developing field of fusion energy. The visit is part of Engineers Ireland’s ongoing advocacy to highlight opportunities in ‘big science’ programmes. It brought together representatives from Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, and researchers engaged in fusion-related activities, reflecting Ireland’s growing interest in participating in major international science and engineering programmes.
Fusion energy is widely regarded as one of the most ambitious engineering challenges of the 21st century. By replicating the process that powers the sun, fusion has the potential to provide a near-limitless source of low-carbon energy. Delivering this vision requires expertise across a wide range of engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, robotics, materials, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering.
(Pictured L - R: Keelan Keogh, Policy Officer, Engineers Ireland & Fusion ILO, Damien Owens, Director General, Engineers Ireland, David McKowen, UCD, Eirsat1, Tim Roche, Enterprise Ireland & CERN ILO, Miles Turner, DCU, Eurofusion, Tristan McCullim, IDA in front of JET (Joint European Torus), the former largest fusion reactor ever built, and currently being decommissioned, at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) at Culham Science Centre.)
The delegation received an overview of UKAEA’s work and its role in advancing fusion research and technology development. Discussions focused on how the United Kingdom has leveraged long-term investment in fusion to generate research, innovation, industrial capability, and high-value employment opportunities. Attention was given to future opportunities for collaboration between Irish industry, universities, and UK-based fusion programmes.
A highlight of the visit was the opportunity to tour several of the world’s most significant fusion facilities, with the Engineers Ireland delegation visiting MAST Upgrade (MAST-U), one of the world’s leading experimental fusion devices, and learning about the advanced engineering systems required to operate and maintain such complex facilities. The delegation also toured the Joint European Torus (JET), the former largest fusion reactor ever built and a landmark achievement in European scientific collaboration. As JET enters its decommissioning phase, the visit provided valuable insights into the lifecycle of large-scale research infrastructure and the specialist engineering expertise required for its safe operation, maintenance, and eventual dismantling.
The group also met Irish engineers working within the fusion sector, providing a first-hand perspective on the diverse career pathways available in this highly specialised field. Their experiences demonstrated how Irish engineering talent is already contributing to some of the most complex scientific and technological projects in the world.
A particularly valuable discussion took place with the leadership of RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments), UKAEA’s robotics division. RACE develops advanced robotic and remote-handling technologies for hazardous and inaccessible environments, including fusion reactors, nuclear facilities, CERN, and other major research infrastructures. Conversations focused on the future demand for engineering skills, opportunities for Irish companies to join international supply chains, and potential pathways for collaboration between Irish organisations and UK fusion programmes.
The visit also highlighted Ireland’s growing engagement with large-scale international research initiatives, including CERN and Eurofusion. Representatives from academia outlined current Irish involvement in fusion research and discussed how stronger links between industry, government agencies, and research institutions could help maximise future opportunities.
As global investment in fusion continues to increase, it is clear that fusion is not only a scientific endeavour, but a significant engineering opportunity. From advanced manufacturing and robotics to digital technologies and infrastructure delivery, Irish engineers and companies are well positioned to contribute to the next generation of fusion projects, and play a meaningful role in one of the most exciting engineering challenges of our time.