Britain’s ambition to lead the global race for fusion energy has moved a step closer as the government launches a new strategy to accelerate development of commercial fusion power.
The programme centres on the STEP Fusion Programme at West Burton Power Station, where a prototype fusion plant is planned. The strategy also includes investment in the Sunrise AI Supercomputer, supported by £45m in funding to accelerate fusion design and modelling.
The project aims to demonstrate how fusion could provide virtually limitless low-carbon energy, supporting long-term sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The strategy outlines how the UK will attract private investment, develop supply chains and build a domestic fusion industry.
A major milestone has also been reached with the appointment of the ILIOS consortium as construction partner for the £200m redevelopment of the former coal-fired power station site. The consortium is led by Kier Group and Nuvia, alongside partners BAM Nuttall, AECOM and Turner & Townsend.
The redevelopment is expected to support up to 8,000 jobs at peak construction and contribute to a wider supply chain across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. Officials say the wider programme could support as many as 10,000 roles as the project develops.
Patrick Vallance, UK Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, said: “We can be proud that Britain will lead the way on research, innovation and skills for a future of limitless fusion energy.”
He added: “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.”
Project leaders say the programme marks a shift from research to delivery, positioning the UK as a global leader in fusion technology while advancing the transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy.
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