TAE Technologies and the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) have entered into a significant partnership aimed at commercializing advanced fusion technology. Announced on December 2, 2025, this joint venture, named TAE Beam UK, will focus on developing neutral beams for fusion applications and adapting accelerator innovations for non-fusion uses.
The collaboration draws on TAE’s extensive experience in fusion energy, with over 25 years of research and development, and UKAEA’s expertise as the UK’s national fusion laboratory. TAE Beam UK will operate from UKAEA’s Culham Campus in Oxfordshire, positioning the UK as a crucial hub for fusion technology while creating high-skilled job opportunities in the sector.
The primary objective of TAE Beam UK is to design, develop, and manufacture neutral beams essential for various fusion approaches. Neutral beams are vital for maintaining plasma stability in fusion reactors, enabling efficient energy production from nuclear fusion. TAE Technologies has pioneered the use of these beams in their fusion machines, which utilize high-energy hydrogen atoms to facilitate plasma confinement and heating.
Michl Binderbauer, CEO of TAE Technologies, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the UK’s strong scientific talent and dedication to advancing fusion energy. “Together, we’re building critical infrastructure for the fusion supply chain,” he stated.
UKAEA’s CEO, Tim Bestwick, echoed this sentiment, noting that the venture will contribute to job creation and economic growth in the UK. The UKAEA plans to invest £5.6 million into the joint venture, which will also leverage decades of experience from operating the world-record breaking Joint European Torus (JET) facility.
This joint effort not only strengthens the US-UK collaboration in pursuing clean fusion energy but also aims to adapt the technology for other sectors, including cancer therapy, food safety, and national security. TAE Technologies’ medtech subsidiary, TAE Life Sciences, has already begun to apply similar accelerator technology in the medical field, providing targeted treatments for challenging cancers.
The venture aims to deliver its first short-pulse beams within 18-24 months following the commencement of work, pending standard regulatory approvals. This development aligns with broader efforts to reinforce the UK’s position in the global fusion energy market.
Support for this initiative extends beyond TAE and UKAEA, with various government leaders emphasizing its importance. Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, acknowledged the partnership as a significant step towards achieving limitless clean energy. He noted that this collaboration supports the UK’s Technology Prosperity Deal with the US, which has committed over £2.5 billion to bolster the fusion industry.
Secretary Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, remarked that TAE Beam UK is a representation of the UK’s commitment to leading in the fusion energy sector. He highlighted the potential for job creation and technological advancement through this partnership.
In summary, the establishment of TAE Beam UK marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of commercial fusion energy. By combining resources and expertise, TAE Technologies and UKAEA are not only advancing fusion technology but also fostering economic growth and innovation in the UK, creating a strong foundation for the future of clean energy.
