Our Capabilities
We apply our remote handling and engineering expertise to support fusion programmes, including:
- Remote operation analysis and scenario review
- Remote handling system design and integration
- Robotics and automation for complex environments
- Radiation-tolerant systems and components
- Digital tools for simulation, planning and operator training
- Bespoke tooling and machinery for maintenance operations
Fusion facilities present some of the most demanding engineering conditions in the nuclear sector. High radiation levels and restricted access mean that inspection, maintenance and intervention must be carried out using fully remote systems.
Our solutions enable safe, efficient operation in these environments, supporting the transition towards more autonomous systems.
Experience and track record
Veolia’s fusion capability is built on decades of hands-on remote handling experience in operational tokamak environments. Our heritage originates at JET, where our engineers were integral to the delivery of the world’s first fully remote handling campaign inside a tokamak, supporting ongoing maintenance and upgrade activities over many years.
We have since supported fusion programmes for over 25 years, working alongside the UK Atomic Energy Authority and contributing to major international projects such as ITER.
Our experience spans system design, development and real-world operation of remote handling systems, including tooling, control systems and digital environments used to plan and execute complex interventions within fusion facilities.
“Veolia has been supporting UKAEA’s fusion programmes for over 25 years, with a depth of remote handling expertise that stretches back to the JET era and continues to deliver value today.”
UK Atomic Energy Authority
Current programmes and innovation
We are actively supporting fusion research and development programmes through collaborations such as with the UK Atomic Energy Authority. These programmes contribute to advancing the safety, efficiency and autonomy of remote operations in future fusion facilities.
Recent projects include:
Development of vision-enabled robotic systems capable of operating in fusion-representative environments
Integration of radiation-tolerant sensors and automation technologies
Design and delivery of robotic test rigs to support research into flexible payload handling
Case Studies
ITER: In-Vessel Viewing System (IVVS)
We contributed to the preliminary design of the In-Vessel Viewing System for ITER, supporting inspection and metrology of plasma-facing components within the tokamak.
Designed to operate in extreme conditions, the system enables reliable inspection inside the reactor vessel following plasma operations, supporting the integrity and performance of critical components.
Autonomous robotics for fusion environments
We have developed and demonstrated a vision-enabled robotic automation system designed for use in fusion environments.
The system integrates machine vision, real-time mapping and intelligent path planning to enable safer, more efficient remote operations with reduced reliance on continuous operator input.
Our fusion expertise forms part of a broader capability in remote handling and high-hazard operations. Technologies developed for fusion have been applied across the nuclear sector, including decommissioning and waste management. In turn, experience from these environments continues to inform our fusion work.
This approach enables the transfer of proven technologies between sectors to address complex engineering challenges.
Our Offering
We provide a complete service to support fusion programmes at all stages of development:
- Feasibility studies and concept design
- Engineering design and system integration
- Development of robotic and remote handling solutions
- Testing and demonstration in representative environments
- Deployment and operational support
By enabling reliable remote operations and advanced automation, we support the development of practical and scalable solutions for future fusion facilities.
“The remote handling expertise developed through the JET programmes continues to evolve within Veolia’s Nuclear Solutions business and is now being applied internationally across complex and demanding environments.”
UK Atomic Energy Authority
Contact us to explore how our fusion expertise can support your programme.