Planning

Vapour-Phase Electrolysis Design and Development

UK FUSION ENERGY LTD

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

10 Apr 2026 at 11:00

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the design and development of a Vapour-Phase Electrolysis system is currently in the planning stage under UK Fusion Energy Ltd, located at Culham Science Centre, Abingdon. This process aims to gather market insights for developing an electrolyser prototype as part of the STEP prototype fusion power plant project. Interested parties are invited to provide input by 15th May 2026. The procurement category is services and is related to engineering design services and research and experimental development. The contract is expected to commence on 31st August 2026, ending by 19th March 2027, with a projected contract value of £125,000 net, or £156,250 gross, in GBP. This procurement is planned to serve the United Kingdom region.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses in the engineering design and development sector, particularly those with expertise in electrochemical systems, process design, and nuclear environment compatibility. Companies specialising in innovative electrolysis technology, such as solid oxide ceramic cells or molten carbonate cells, are well-positioned to contribute. Participation in this preliminary market engagement can help shape future tender requirements and pave the way for potential future contracts in manufacturing, assembly, and testing. Engaging with UK Fusion Energy Ltd provides a platform to influence a project that aligns with cutting-edge energy solutions and technological advancements, fostering potential business growth and sector leadership.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Vapour-Phase Electrolysis Design and Development

Notice Description

The following summary is not intended as a complete or definitive specification of the requirement. A purpose of this engagement is to seek information from the market to help refine our understanding and aid the development of a future specification. UKFE is seeking to develop a prototype electrolyser for decomposing a vapour phase feed of water in helium. Prototype development supports the longer-term information of electrolysis technology in the STEP prototype fusion power plant. This MEN pertains to phase 1 of the prototype development: concept design. Concept design will be carried out with the aim to support future additional contracts pertaining to manufacturing, assembly and testing. UKFE are seeking to identify industry appetite and capabilities for the provision of an electrolyser prototype design. Capabilities may include expertise in electrochemical systems, modelling and simulation, optimisation, mechanical design and process design. Any electrolysis technology capable of decomposing vapour-phase water diluted by helium is applicable to this market engagement notice. These technologies may include, but are not limited to, solid oxide ceramic cells, protonic ceramic cells or molten carbonate cells electrolytes. UKFE shall provide the requirements of the prototype including a feed and product specification, performance requirements and bounding values. UKFE shall provide a list of regulatory requirements for operation in a nuclear environment. The scope of work is to generate a concept design for a prototype electrolyser that meets the requirements provided by UKFE, with design decisions that prioritise longevity, compatibility in a nuclear environment and mechanical design. A full scope, including deliverables, shall be provided as part of an invitation to tender. Deliverables may include a design description document, design justification document, process diagrams, mechanical drawings, calculations, strategies for manufacturing and strategies for validation.

Planning Information

This MEN aims to gather information from potential suppliers on solutions and capabilities in relation to the provision of Vapour-Phase Electrolysis Design and Development. This is not a request for quotation but a preliminary stage to assess the market. Suppliers responding to this MEN will have the opportunity to contribute insights that may shape the final tender requirements. All answers and correspondence will be used for market sounding purposes only and will be treated with confidentiality. Any supplier that chooses not to respond to this MEN will not exclude themselves from any subsequent procurement for this workstream. Should an NDA or similar be required, please contact the MEN Customer Contact. Any estimated contract values and contract dates associated with the notice are indicative and do not represent a commitment by UKFE. As part of this PME, UKFE may carry out a range of activities. These may include, but are not limited to: issuing follow-up questions to suppliers and reviewing their responses; engaging in discussions with suppliers either collectively or individually, such as through webinars or workshops; seeking feedback on proposed requirements; exploring procurement approaches; identifying potentially suitable suppliers; assessing market capacity; and discussing possible contractual terms. PME may also be used to support the development of award criteria and the refinement of tender documentation. Any information provided in this notice, such as CPV codes, estimated contract values, anticipated contract dates and durations, and proposed engagement timelines - are indicative only and based on UKFE’s current understanding. These details may be subject to change. The purpose of PME is to improve our understanding of the market, refine our requirements, and shape our procurement strategy. The list of activities included here is illustrative rather than exhaustive, and the nature, extent and timetable of engagement may evolve in line with UKIFS’s needs.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067fdc
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032767-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

71320000 - Engineering design services

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

73120000 - Experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£125,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Apr 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 May 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Aug 2026 - 19 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK FUSION ENERGY LTD
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ABINGDON
Postcode
OX14 3DB
Post Town
Oxford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ14 Oxfordshire CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
South Oxfordshire
Electoral Ward
Sandford & the Wittenhams
Westminster Constituency
Didcot and Wantage

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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