UK's nuclear gun gets new deal to make fusion power for clean future

Two British firms have joined hands to accelerate innovation and enhance the commercial viability of fusion energy for the global market.

First Light Fusion signed a deal with Frazer-Nash Consultancy for the development of critical technologies that can speed up innovation and lead to a scalable, commercial pathway to fusion energy across the world.

“At First Light Fusion, technical innovation and cooperation is integral to realising our mission to make fusion energy possible,” said Mark Thomas, CEO of First Light Fusion.

“This collaboration with Frazer-Nash reflects our commitment to working with the best engineering minds in the industry in pursuit of this goal.”

Deal to provide valuable technical insight

Thomas stressed that the collaboration would strengthen the development pipeline and provide valuable technical insight as the company advances its fusion energy program.

Fusion, which is a source of carbon-free energy, has the potential to provide near-limitless energy. The U.K. government has also extended its financial support to accelerate the development of fusion energy infrastructure.

In the recent collaboration, Frazer-Nash revealed that it would contribute its expertise in complex engineering and systems development to support First Light Fusion’s new business strategy, launched in February 2025.

The strategy focuses on partnering with innovative businesses that can leverage its cutting-edge proprietary technologies, world-leading research facilities, and technological expertise.

Delivering critical engineering solutions for fusion

The companies highlighted that the recent partnership also aims to focus on delivering critical engineering solutions, developing new technical capabilities, and nurturing industry partnerships to strengthen the fusion supply chain and innovation network.

“Under this collaboration, Frazer-Nash is taking a further step forward towards developing new technologies that will benefit the global energy market,” said Nial Greeves, Director Energy and Infrastructure, Frazer-Nash Consultancy. 

“This will see Frazer-Nash applying its expertise in technical and strategic consulting and capability in advanced engineering solutions to support the pathway to realizing a commercial inertial confinement fusion energy device.”

Partnerships between innovative research organizations and leading engineering firms could be effective for scaling up fusion technology, improving efficiency, and overcoming technical barriers to commercialization.

Previously, Frazer-Nash Consultancy delivered high-value engineering solutions across energy, defense, and advanced technology sectors.

“The firm’s experience in complex systems engineering, computational modelling, and materials science makes it an excellent collaborator for our business, and I am excited to get started,” added Thomas.

Scalable technology transforms the economics of commercial fusion

First Light Fusion, which has an unparalleled reputation in its sector, masters amplifier technology that’s key to its fusion process. This highly scalable technology transforms the economics of commercial fusion power plants by dramatically reducing the amount of power they require, enabling them to be smaller, simpler and far less expensive

The company claims that its cutting-edge capabilities in data-science, machine-learning, AI, physics and engineering allow it to tailor exactly to the demands of its fusion partners’ platforms, and constantly refine and improve their efficiency.

“First Light Fusion’s experience combined with Frazer- Nash’s own track record of solving some of the most complex engineering challenges presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to one of the most promising fields in clean energy. We look forward to applying our expertise to help drive innovation in fusion and support the development of a robust technology ecosystem,” said Greeves.

The Oxfordshire-based startup had recently announced a big shift in its nuclear gun strategy.

It now aims to commercialize its technology for various applications within the defense and space sectors.

In 2022, the company announced its prototype, the Big Friendly Gun (BFG). This technology would allow it to achieve nuclear fusion without relying on lasers and powerful magnets.