Plan for Change to Drive Job Creation and Growth in the UK Fusion Industry

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Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-01-16 13:05:35 |

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A future powered by limitless clean energy is now closer to reality as the UK fusion industry is set to receive a groundbreaking £410m investment from the government.

This funding, part of the government’s Plan for Change, aims to stimulate economic growth and support the rapid advancement of the UK's fusion energy sector between 2025 and 2026. It will also focus on developing the necessary skills for scientists, engineers, welders, and program managers to join this innovative field.

Currently, the fusion industry supports at least 2,400 jobs in the UK, with many more expected as the technology evolves.

Unlocking Clean Energy in the UK:UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) has shortlisted industry leaders to help build a world-class fusion power plant in Nottinghamshire, paving the way for a new clean energy sector in the UK.

Five bids for construction and engineering have progressed to the next stage of the UKIFS competition, aiming to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant by 2040. This will bring the UK closer to commercializing fusion energy, providing secure, clean, and unlimited energy to homes and businesses.

The fusion plant will be located on the site of a former coal power plant in Nottinghamshire, revitalizing the region and creating skilled jobs in former coal communities.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband commented: “After 70 years of scientific theory, we are now on the brink of harnessing the power of the Sun, offering families secure, clean, and limitless energy. Britain leads the global race to deliver fusion, and today’s record funding will drive investment and growth, helping us achieve net zero and create clean energy for the future.”

Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy added: “Nottinghamshire marked the end of coal last year after 142 years, and today it begins the journey to becoming the UK’s fusion energy hub. We are advancing in the global race to commercialize fusion, growing the economy, attracting investment, and harnessing the Sun’s power to create sustainable energy.”

Harnessing the UK Fusion Industry’s Potential:Fusion mirrors the process that powers the sun by fusing two forms of hydrogen at extreme temperatures, releasing vast amounts of energy.

The UK is at the forefront of the global race to commercialize fusion and unlock its potential.

Earlier this week, the government also proposed the UK’s first AI Growth Zone at the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s fusion energy campus in Culham, Oxfordshire, to enhance fusion research and benefit the national AI infrastructure and the local area.

Delivering a World-Leading Fusion Prototype Plant:The multi-stage procurement process for the fusion plant, known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), is led by UKIFS, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group.

Shortlisted companies will engage in detailed discussions with UKIFS, with one engineering and one construction partner selected in late 2025 or early 2026. The initial contracts are expected to be worth hundreds of millions of pounds.

The shortlisted Engineering Partners for STEP are:

• Celestial JV, consisting of Eni UK Limited as the lead member, alongside AtkinsRealis, Jacobs Clean Energy (now Amentum), Westinghouse, and Tokamak Energy.
• Phoenix (UK) Fusion Limited, led by Cavendish Nuclear Ltd, with KBR Ltd and Assystem Energy and Infrastructure Ltd.

The shortlisted Construction Partners for STEP are:

• Inovus Infrastructure, led by Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, with Vinci Construction, AtkinsRealis, Mott Macdonald, and WSP.
• ILIOS, led by Kier Infrastructure and Overseas, with Bam Nuttal, Nuvia Limited, AECOM Ltd, Turner and Townsend Infrastructure Ltd, and Amanda Levete Architects Ltd.
• Ferrovial Mace JV, led by Ferrovial Construction UK Ltd, with Mace Consult Ltd.

A key aspect of STEP’s mission is to develop a world-leading UK fusion industry, ensuring the country remains at the forefront of this emerging technology.

Paul Methven, CEO of UKIFS and Senior Responsible Owner for STEP, stated: “The announcement of shortlisted organisations for STEP’s Whole Plant Partners is a critical milestone in our mission to demonstrate fusion energy and build a world-leading fusion supply chain, unlocking significant industrial and economic opportunities.”

He concluded: “Together, we aim to lead the development of the fusion energy sector, meeting rising global energy demand and delivering near-term benefits for both industry and the communities involved in building STEP.”

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