Glass Technology Services (GTS), based in Sheffield, UK, has secured funding under the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Fusion Industry Programme to investigate the use of advanced glass materials for nuclear fusion shielding applications. The initiative forms part of a wider £8.1 million national investment aimed at accelerating the development of shielding and fuel-cycle technologies for next-generation fusion power plants.

Working in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, GTS is leading the project titled “Glass and glass-ceramics for fusion reactor shielding applications.” The research explores the potential of specially engineered glass and glass-ceramic materials to provide cost-effective and sustainable radiation shielding solutions within fusion energy systems and associated plant infrastructure.

Unlike conventional shielding materials such as lead, concrete, or specialist metal alloys, glass and glass-ceramics offer compositional flexibility, scalable manufacturability, and promising radiation attenuation properties. The project adopts a strong economics- and sustainability-driven approach, aiming to identify materials that are low-cost, environmentally responsible, and capable of meeting the stringent performance requirements of fusion environments.

The programme includes:

• Identification and modelling of high-performance glass and glass-ceramic compositions
• Radiation attenuation simulations
• Laboratory-scale melting trials to validate feasibility and performance
• Evaluation of commercial manufacturing routes, including the integration of secondary raw materials
• Lifecycle and environmental impact assessments to ensure long-term sustainability and responsible end-of-life management

Dr Owen McGann, Principal Technologist and Innovation Development Lead at GTS, highlighted the opportunity to demonstrate how glass technologies can deliver sustainable, high-performance shielding solutions aligned with the UK’s long-term fusion energy ambitions.