Codes and Standards Development and Innovation for Fusion Energy Sector (CS-DIFE)

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group is pleased to host the 1st CS-DIFE Workshop on Thursday, 19 November 2026 at the Culham Campus in Abingdon, Oxfordshire.

The importance of codes and standards has been highlighted in the UK Fusion Energy Strategy, international standards initiatives, and the IAEA Technical Meeting on Experience in Codes and Standards for Fusion Technology. Collectively, these activities recognise that the successful commercialisation of fusion energy will require a robust and enabling framework of internationally recognised engineering practices, qualification methodologies, and standards.

This workshop represents an important step towards that goal. By bringing together experts from industry, academia, standards organisations, regulators, and fusion programmes, the event aims to strengthen collaboration and accelerate the development of fusion standards framework and solutions needed to support the deployment of fusion power plants in the UK and globally.

Workshop goals

This workshop will bring together industry and academia to introduce the fusion codes and standards programme, identify key challenges and opportunities, and strengthen collaboration across the sector. The outcomes will inform engagement with the British Standards Institution (BSI) and support a coordinated national approach to developing UK-led fusion standards through BSI and ISO.

The morning session will provide an overview of the need for fusion-specific standards, the current national and international landscape, and key engineering and technology challenges. Afternoon breakout sessions will explore UKAEA’s proposed approach, identify priority actions, and help shape a collaborative roadmap for future standards development and implementation.

Workshop format and sessions

The workshop will begin with five invited presentations to set the scene and provide the necessary background on the current fusion codes and standards landscape, UKAEA's activities in fusion codes and standards development, the role and challenges of codes and standards within the STEP programme, and the evolving fusion regulatory and safety framework. The afternoon will consist of six breakout sessions covering the following themes:

• Session 1 (cross-cutting): Materials, manufacturing, and structural integrity
• Session 2: Vacuum vessel, in-vessel components, and civil structures
• Session 3: Tritium breeding systems and fuel cycle
• Session 4: Magnets
• Session 5: Remote handling systems
• Session 6: Balance of plant, including control and instrumentation (C&I), electrical systems, fire safety, and supporting plant systems

Further details of the workshop, including the agenda, thematic sessions, and presentations, can be found in the attached workshop agenda.

Who should attend

This workshop is open to professionals from industry, academia, government organisations, regulatory bodies, standards organisations, and fusion programmes who are interested in advancing fusion technology and its industrial deployment. We welcome researchers, engineers, policymakers, regulators, and other stakeholders whose expertise and perspectives can help shape future codes, standards and engineering assurance frameworks for fusion energy.

Why codes and standards for fusion energy matter  

Codes and standards are essential to the safe, reliable and efficient development of fusion technologies. As fusion moves towards commercial deployment, dedicated standards will be needed to address fusion-specific conditions, support technology qualification and regulatory engagement, strengthen supply chains and reduce deployment risks.

By building on existing experience while embracing advanced materials, manufacturing and digital technologies, fusion offers an opportunity to develop modern, internationally harmonised standards. Collaboration across industry, academia, regulators, standards bodies and fusion programmes will be key to supporting confidence and accelerating commercial deployment.

Ticket and key dates

This event will be held exclusively in-person.

• Registration is now open. 

  You can book this ticket until 6 November 2026. Places are limited due to room capacity, so early booking is recommended. If your place is confirmed, you must read the site emergency slides before arriving (click here).