STEP Fusion — the UK’s major technology and infrastructure programme to build a prototype fusion power plant that will demonstrate net energy, fuel self-sufficiency, a viable route to plant maintenance, and is working closely with local organisations — recently hosted
Invest in Nottingham and
Marketing Nottingham for a site tour of the former West Burton power station, which is scheduled to become the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant.
During the visit, the organisations saw how the site is being transformed into a hub for world-leading fusion energy, while creating high-quality jobs, attracting skilled talent, and bringing significant economic opportunities to Nottinghamshire and beyond. The aim is for first operations to begin by 2040.
While on site at West Burton, Megan Powell Vreeswijk, chief executive of Marketing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “What an exciting project this is. This is bringing pure, clean, green energy, so the research is happening here, and the investment is coming here. For the region this will have a massive economic impact, and for the nation we are going to be the leaders in fusion energy technology. These are exciting times and we cannot wait to promote this as an opportunity for investment.”
A spokesman said STEP Fusion will pave the way for the potential development of a fleet of future fusion power plants around the world and the commercialisation of fusion energy. “We will achieve this by producing a prototype tokamak power plant that is spherical shape and will demonstrate net energy. That is why the programme is called STEP — ‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’. That said, STEP Fusion is about more than tokamak technology; it is a huge endeavour encompassing design, site development and construction, alongside supply chain logistics and industry.”