Lithium isotope enrichment for fusion power: challenges and opportunities for the UK

Increasing demand for electricity, net zero targets, and concerns about energy independence and security mean that the UK Government is looking to turn the UK's world-leading nuclear fusion research into an industry that can provide a low-carbon, reliable source of energy in the future. Fusion power plants are fuelled by breeder blankets containing enriched lithium-6. At present, the UK lacks a process-scale lithium-6 enrichment capability, and without it, it cannot produce the fuel required for a burgeoning fusion energy industry. This paper discusses the challenges in the supply chain, regulation, and security of enriched lithium-6, including the need to expand regulatory capability and capacity and to clarify and develop export controls. Achieving this capability will require clear policy decisions and leadership from the UK Government, but it has the potential to yield benefits for the nuclear fusion and fission sectors, the developing British lithium mining industry, and the UK's reputation as a global leader in securing and regulating enriched lithium-6. • Process-scale manufacture of enriched lithium-6 is needed for fusion reactor fuel. • Regulatory capability and capacity must expand to meet the fusion industry's needs. • Existing export controls require clarification and further development. • Establishing a lithium-6 supply chain benefits the fission and fusion industries.