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In a landmark project for the UK science sector, Mace Construct has been appointed to deliver a new facility to house a 20 Petawatt laser system—set to be the world’s most powerful laser.
The laser, Vulcan 20-20, will be 100 times brighter than its predecessor, and a million, billion, billion times brighter than the Sahara Desert’s brightest sunlight.
Lasers with this power can deliver sufficient energy to help scientists recreate and study the extreme conditions found in space in a single laser pulse, creating a fourth state of matter called plasma. This state will allow scientists to explore the potential of laser fusion as a clean energy source.
The building, at the Science and Technology Facilities Council’s (STFC) Rutherford Appleton Laboratory campus in Oxfordshire, will comprise two seven-metre-tall targeting bunkers. The walls will be constructed from a radiation-resistant concrete mix.
The facility will feature specialist shielding, vibration isolation and ultra-clean spaces to support the performance of the laser system.
Construction is expected to complete in 2027, with commissioning and scientific operations to follow.
Mace has previous experience with scientific research facilities, having delivered the Rosalind Franklin Institute, the National Satellite Test Facility and the Extreme Photonics Applications Centre. Mace will continue working with the same project team: Fairhurst Design Group, Glanville, Hoare Lea, BB7 and RSK.
Rob Lemming, Managing Director for Public Sector and Life Sciences at Mace Construct, said: “Vulcan 20-20 is a landmark project for UK science and presents complex technical challenges, but our team’s experience at Harwell and our track record in delivering high-performance environments means we’re ready to meet them.”
Picture: an artist's impression of the exterior of one of the Vulcan 20-20 buildings, a pale blue and grey industrial building. Image Credit: Science and Technology Facilities Council
Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 14 November 2025
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