The UK government has announced a £410m investment to advance the development of nuclear fusion energy and boost economic growth as part of its Plan for Change initiative.
The investment will support the development of the UK fusion energy sector from 2025 to 2026 and create thousands of new jobs.
It will support the necessary skill development for scientists, engineers, welders, and programme managers in the nuclear fusion industry.
The funding follows the shortlisting of construction and engineering partners by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
The shortlisted industry partners will help construct an advanced fusion power plant in Nottinghamshire, providing a new clean energy industry for the UK.
UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) CEO Sir Ian Chapman professor said: “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.”
East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward said: “This is fantastic news for Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands, a region that’s ready and willing to lead the way in clean, green energy.
“I am delighted the government is committed to this investment in the East Midlands and look forward to working together to kickstart a green industrial revolution, creating skilled jobs in our former coal mining communities.”
UKIFS has shortlisted five construction and engineering service providers for the next round of its competition to deliver the prototype fusion energy plant by 2040.
The shortlisted companies will progress towards the commercialisation of fusion in the UK to supply families and businesses with secure, clean, and unlimited energy.
After detailed discussions, UKIFS will select one engineering and construction partner to be awarded contracts for the new fusion energy plant in late 2025 or early 2026.
The proposed prototype fusion energy plant will be constructed on the site of a previous coal power plant in Nottinghamshire, and support new, skilled jobs in former coal communities.
UK Secretary of State for Climate Kerry McCarthy said: “Last year Nottinghamshire marked the end of coal in our country after 142 years and today it starts the process to create the energy of the future.
“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 that we need on the path to net zero.”
According to the UK government’s statement, Fusion supports thousands of jobs in the UK, with thousands more to follow with the advancement in technology.
Earlier this week, the UK government proposed plans for building the country’s first AI Growth Zone at the UKAEA’s fusion energy campus at Culham, Oxfordshire.
The Oxfordshire site will use the advancements of AI to leverage computing power for fusion research and benefit the UK’s wider national AI infrastructure and the local area.
UK Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero Ed Miliband 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.
“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.”
