This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

17 Jul 2026 at 10:46

Summary of the contracting process

UK Fusion Energy Ltd, a public undertaking located at Culham Campus in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, is currently in the tender stage for a project titled "Design for Longevity- Electrolyser Prototype Design". The initiative is part of the STEP Fuel Cycle aimed at developing an electrolyser system to manage tritiated water for the STEP fusion reactor. This project falls within the Engineering and Research and Development services industry categories. Prospective businesses have until 14th August 2026 to submit their tenders, with the contract spanning from 16th September 2026 to 16th March 2027. The procurement process is through an open, below-threshold competition, allowing for electronic submissions.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specializing in engineering services and experimental development services, particularly those experienced with electrochemical systems. Small to medium enterprises that can deliver innovative solutions in component design for electrolysers, such as electrolytes, electrodes, and structural components, will find this bid advantageous. The procurement method prioritises technical quality and commercial competitiveness, suggesting that businesses capable of providing high-quality technical solutions while maintaining cost-effectiveness will be well-suited to compete and foster business growth through this project.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Design for Longevity- Electrolyser Prototype Design

Notice Description

The STEP Fuel Cycle is the subsystem responsible for recovering, purifying and supplying tritium to the STEP fusion reactor. Tritium is present in a variety of forms, phases and compositions, including tritiated water. Vapour-phase electrolysis techniques such as solid-oxide electrolysis have been identified as a suitable technique for processing small quantities of tritiated water. The scope is to deliver the conceptual design of an electrolyser system (electrochemical cell or stack). This includes, but is not limited to, components of the electrolyser: electrolytes, electrodes, interconnects, separators, electrical connections, vessels, structural components, seals, gaskets, heating elements, inlet/outlet pipes, ports, flanges and instrumentation. The scope does not include conceptual design of 'Balance of Plant' equipment such as power supplies, pumps, purification stages, boilers, compressors or dehumidifiers. However, the impact on balance of plant equipment must be considered in design decisions for the electrolyser itself. The scope is structured into three sequential phases with interim milestones. These phases will progressively develop technical understanding, validate assumptions, and converge on agreed technical content. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the eSourcing portal at: https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Abingdon:-Engineering-services./U6AF2849MX To respond to this opportunity, please click here: https://ukfe.delta-esourcing.com/respond/U6AF2849MX

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06cdb2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067695-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME
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

71300000 - Engineering services

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

73120000 - Experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jul 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
14 Aug 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
15 Sep 2026 - 16 Mar 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

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

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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