Fusion programme delivery body and prototype plant announced

Fusion programme delivery body and prototype plant announced

The creation of a new delivery body for the UK’s fusion programme was announced today by Science Minister George Freeman.

Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) will be formed over the next 18 months to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire. The Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype plant is due be constructed by 2040 and will aim to demonstrate the ability to use fusion energy to generate electricity for the UK grid.

Recruitment for the Chair of UKIFS launches soon.

The announcement comes shortly after a major breakthrough for fusion in the US where the US National Ignition Facility in California conducted fusion experiments which released more energy than was put in by the lab’s enormous, high-powered lasers, a landmark achievement known as energy gain.

The Science Minister said:

"The UK is the world-leader in fusion science and technology, and now we are moving to turn fusion from cutting edge science into a billion-pound clean energy industry to create thousands of UK jobs across the UK, grow exports and drive regeneration of this former coalfield site through a fusion innovation cluster in Nottinghamshire."

Professor Sir Ian Chapman, UKAEA Chief Executive, said:

"Alongside the establishment of the new organisation, we are beginning to map out our future skills requirements and, as part of this, we are committing to the development of a STEP Skills Centre at West Burton. This will enable us to provide as many opportunities as possible to people across the area."

Event Diary

DISCOVER | DEVELOP | DISRUPT

UKREiiF has quickly become a must-attend in the industry calendar for Government departments and local authorities.

Registration is now open for the award-winning Road Transport Expo 2024 (RTX) – the tradeshow with a dedicated “all about the truck” focus.