STEP Electrical Connector Technology Development

There is a requirement to develop unique connector(s) to support the commercial development of fusion energy supply, in the longer term to the national grid. The purpose of this procurement package is to support the development of such connector(s) in association with a technology partner.

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) would like to appoint a technology partner or partners for the development of electrical connector technology capable of transferring tens of kilo-Amperes of current at low voltage and at cryogenic temperatures, in consort with very with low electrical resistance and capable of multiple mating/unmating cycles.

The development program is expected to be stage-gated and a collaborative effort between the partner(s) and UKAEA with UKAEA providing seed contract funding in an Innovation Partnership framework.