UK commits £45m to AI supercomputer for fusion energy research
The government will fund a £45m supercomputer at the UK Atomic Energy Authority campus in Culham, Oxfordshire, targeting completion by June 2026. Called Sunrise, the 1.4MW machine is designed to become the world's most powerful AI supercomputer dedicated to fusion energy.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is backing the project to address key fusion challenges, particularly plasma turbulence. The investment forms part of the government's Fusion Strategy, which outlines how the UK plans to grow its fusion industry.
Culham Campus was designated the UK's first AI Growth Zone in early 2025. Since then, five other regions have received the same designation: North Wales, South Wales, the North East of England, and Lanarkshire in Scotland.
Science Minister Lord Vallance said the supercomputer positions Britain as a leader in fusion research and innovation. "By backing our fusion industry, we are not only securing our future energy independence, but from innovation and research to engineers, we are also providing the skilled clean energy jobs of the future for British people," he said.
Who's involved
The project brings together the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, AMD, Intel, Dell Technologies, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the University of Cambridge, and WEKA.
Tari Hussain, UK head of public sector at Dell Technologies, said the collaboration demonstrates shared commitment to fusion and AI. "Sunrise is a bold step in advancing fusion energy and AI innovation, made possible through close collaboration and shared ambition," he said.
Government workers overseeing AI infrastructure or energy policy may find AI for Government resources useful for understanding how these systems apply to public sector challenges. Those focused on research applications should explore AI for Science & Research.
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