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An overview of Optical Parametric Chirped Pulse Amplification (OPCPA) is given as the basis for the next generation of ultra-intense laser systems (><inline-formula><math xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"><semantics><mrow><mn>1</mn><mo>×</mo><msup><mn>10</mn><mn>23</mn></msup></mrow></semantics></math></inline-formula> W/cm²). The benefits and drawbacks of OPCPA are discussed to explain the choice behind the decisions for the direction of the Central Laser Facility’s (CLF) upcoming Vulcan 20-20 project. A history of OPCPA use at the CLF is described to surmise the foundation of the confidence in this technology for Vulcan 20-20; a 20 PW user facility for high-intensity plasma physics.