The UK government has announced a significant £410 million investment to accelerate fusion energy development, a move aimed at harnessing an almost limitless supply of clean power. This funding will bolster the UK’s fusion sector over the next two years, attracting and training scientists, engineers, welders, and programme managers. Currently, fusion supports around 2,400 jobs in the UK, with thousands more expected as the technology progresses.
Transforming Energy and Revitalizing Communities
Several companies have been shortlisted by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) to construct a world-leading fusion power plant in Nottinghamshire, a region historically associated with Britain’s coal industry. The prototype plant is set to be built on the site of a former coal power station, bringing new skilled jobs and economic revitalization to the area.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband emphasized the UK’s leadership in the global fusion race, stating: “Britain is at the forefront of this global race to deliver fusion, and today’s record level of funding will provide investment and economic growth through our Plan for Change, delivering on net zero and creating the clean energy of the future.”
The Science Behind Fusion
Fusion energy is generated by fusing lighter atoms into a heavier one, replicating the process that powers the Sun. This is distinct from fission, where heavier atoms are split to release energy, as seen in conventional nuclear reactors. Fusion promises a nearly unlimited, low-carbon energy source without producing long-lived radioactive waste.
Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy highlighted the economic and environmental benefits, stating: “We are taking a step forward in the global race to commercialise fusion, growing our economy, attracting investment, and harnessing the power of the Sun to create clean, limitless, secure energy. This is what our clean energy transition is about—creating jobs in our local communities and building the skills we need on the path to net zero.”
The UK’s path towards a commercially viable fusion plant, known as STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), is led by UKIFS, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group. From the shortlisted firms, one engineering and one construction company will be awarded contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds to make fusion power a commercial reality.
Engineering firms such as Tokamak Energy and Westinghouse, along with construction companies like Balfour Beatty and Vinci Construction, are among those in consideration. These companies will enter detailed discussions with UKIFS before final contract awards.
Warrick Matthews, CEO of Tokamak Energy, welcomed the investment, stating: “It is great to see the level of investment and support from the UK government. It also confirmed Tokamak Energy and our Celestial partners progressing to the next stage of procurement for STEP. The only way to deploy fusion technologies and devices at scale is by developing strong partnerships, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead for delivering a new form of clean, secure, and limitless energy.”
Prof. Ian Chapman, CEO of UKAEA, echoed this optimism, saying: “I am delighted by the strong support from government to delivering fusion as a safe, sustainable energy of the future, and to anchor this exciting new industry in the UK.”
