The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) opened their Rotherham site to the public for the first time on Saturday 30th August. Over 150 visitors attended the Fusion Technology Facility Open Day to discover more about UKAEA and the research and development taking place to making fusion energy a reality.
Head of FTF, Professor Matt Stphenson, gave a welcome presentation before visitors were free to walk around the work hall. UKAEA Engineers were on hand to answer questions on the various labs and equipment in use, and their role in testing and developing the components of a tokamak (a donut-shaped fusion machine).
Visitors of all ages and knowledge-levels around fusion were in attendance. Family-friendly workshops included a materials experiment, robot dog demonstrations and an infrared camera mapping workshop.
The event attracted visitors from the local Waverley estate, to students and fusion-enthusiasts from as far as Glasgow and Milton Keynes.
Matt Stephenson reflected on the event: “The open day was a great success. We engaged with people of all ages and experience levels surrounding fusion energy, and received positive feedback on our work and our contribution to the local economy.”
The sun shone in Rotherham until the final hour of the event, allowing visitors the chance to head outside and purchase refreshments from local donut vendor Bubble and Sweet Ltd – tokamak-shaped treats to fuel curiosity!
To find out more about UKAEA, visit www.ukaea.org
