To lead in the global race for fusion energy, the UK is investing £2.5 billion over five years, with the STEP programme at its core. STEP (spherical tokamak for energy production) is the UK’s ‘flagship fusion programme’ that aims to deliver a prototype fusion power plant at West Burton, Nottinghamshire, by 2040.
The plant, to be built on the site of a former coal-fired power station, will not only create thousands of jobs but also act as an anchor for a new industrial ecosystem in the region as part of the
East Midlands Combined Authority’s Clean Energy Supercluster along the River Trent. Delivered by
UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), STEP is a cornerstone of the UK’s ‘clean energy and industrial future’.
The Government’s recently revealed Industrial Strategy features STEP as a case study for fusion energy development, alongside further workstreams in the sector, such as the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) Fusion Futures careers programme. Other recent UK fusion milestones include: a UKAEA–ENI fusion energy fuels partnership, which was announced in March and is working to build the world’s largest tritium fuel cycle facility in the UK; and a £100 million investment boost via the Starmaker One fund from the UK Government.
Moreover, the Government says Fusion is already delivering spillover benefits in AI, robotics, and advanced materials, thereby securing the UK’s place ‘at the forefront of clean technology’. Paul Methven, UKIFS CEO, said: “The UK is at the forefront of global fusion energy research, and STEP is the flagship initiative poised to transform that leadership into commercial reality. By building our prototype fusion power plant in the East Midlands we are not only advancing clean energy but also creating high-quality jobs, driving innovation, and delivering economic growth both regionally and nationally.
“Maintaining our global edge in such a transformative technology demands ambition, and the Industrial Strategy publication, with STEP at its heart, shows that the Government is rising to that challenge. We’re ready to turn this bold vision into action and ensure the UK leads the way in this exciting sector.”
When Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero visited the UK’s Fusion Research Campus in Oxfordshire earlier this year, he said: “After scientists first theorised over 70 years ago that it could be possible, we are now within grasping distance of unlocking the power of the sun and providing families with secure, clean, unlimited energy. By delivering fusion in the East Midlands we will deliver the benefits of our Clean Energy Superpower Mission to communities up and down the country.”
STEP is currently in dialogue with potential construction and engineering partners, with announcements expected this coming winter 2025/26.