Challenges joining emerging materials in the energy industry

Dr Lee Aucott is the Materials and Manufacturing Lead for the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) Programme at UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS). The ownership of the STEP programme has recently transferred (along with Lee) to the newly formed UKIFS Ltd from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). Lee leads the STEP team developing the materials and methods of manufacture to deliver this ambitious programme - to construct a UK prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040 operations. Before joining fusion, he worked in the defence and aerospace sectors developing new manufacturing and materials for use in harsh environments. Lee received his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, focussed on the science and technology of welding from the University of Leicester.  

Paul has over 40 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry including, machining, metal joining, including welding and brazing, quality, sales, business development and senior management.

Paul worked for a small engineering company for 32 years starting as trainee and finished as MD. During his time with the business Paul moved through all areas including production, inspection, sales and quality.

Paul worked for a PLC company in heat treatment and metal joining as Works Manager, then prior to joining TWI was Group Operations Manager for a Privately owned heat treatment group of companies.

John is an experienced, qualified, and respected nuclear and energy specialist who started his career in the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineer and then spent 26 years in the Aerospace industry, predominantly in experimental and R & D before moving into the nuclear sector.

Over the last decade he has provided considerable support and guidance into Government departments and programmes, BIS, DECC, DTI, Welsh Government, KTN, Nuclear AMRC, MTC and UKAEA.

John was the lead (and chair) for the Government Supply Chain Optimisation Strategy (SCOS). This was a strategic approach, sponsored by UK Government, for taking action to support the development of the UK s nuclear supply chain.

John was the Strategic Sourcing Lead at UKAEA for STEP, JET & Fusion Futures. STEP is the world first commercialisation of a fusion reactor (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) with responsibility for sourcing companies, technology, and materials from around the globe.

Previously John was the nuclear manufacturing advisor for the Manufacturing Advisory service (MAS) in the south West of England and one of four Lead F4N Assessor in the UK with responsibility for the South West of England (Hinkley Point C). Also supported EDF, Somerset Chamber of Commerce and later HPC supply chain as manufacturing and technical advisor.

Supported International client in winning the 2018 World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE2018) operational excellence award (SME) and also supported UK client in winning the UK manufacturing of the year award (SME)

Specific headline experience includes:

• Nuclear-delta, behavioural, cultural and safety related industry expectations
• Nuclear steam and power generation systems supply – naval marine through to civil and industry cycles
• Supply chain engagement and development
• Business development
• Global sourcing to support Fission & Fusion supply chains
• Multi-site lean transformation, nationally and globally
• Tier 1 Nuclear pre – audits and expectations of requirements
• Merger and acquisitions sourcing UK and International
• Nuclear & Fusion operational excellence
• Routes to market (Nuclear & Fusion)

Ian Froment is TWI's Section Manager for the Membership Development Section. as well as Industrial Membership Manager for the Power Generation and Medical Sectors.

Ian is responsible for interfacing with TWI Industrial Members in the nuclear, fossil and renewable energy sectors. Ian Froment can support direct technical enquiries as well as answer questions on TWI's membership services, ultimately maximising value for TWI.