The government has announced that the leadership of the UK’s efforts to build a prototype fusion energy plant will transition to UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS).
The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group; established to lead a public-private partnership that will design, build and operate the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme.
According to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), the UKAEA will continue to be STEP’s fusion partner, working alongside two industry partners – one in engineering and one in construction – to spearhead the development of a UK-led fusion industry.
A major procurement exercise is currently underway to select STEP’s strategic, long-term industry partners, with the shortlist expected to be announced by the end of the year.
Paul Methven, UKIFS’ chief executive, and senior responsible owner for STEP, said: “The launch of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions demonstrates significant progress and commitment to developing fusion as a viable clean energy source, and also to creating a UK-led fusion industry.
“STEP is a national endeavour with global impact, and we will continue to work closely with public and private sector partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of a revolutionary sustainable new energy source that will drive economic growth.”
STEP aims to pave the way for the commercial viability of fusion by demonstrating net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance.
Professor Sir Ian Chapman, chief executive of UKAEA Group, said: “UKIFS brings together an experienced team dedicated to translating decades of fusion research into a functioning prototype plant that will be capable of supplying low-carbon, safe, and sustainable energy to the grid.
“UKIFS will integrate partners in a national endeavour to build STEP as well as focussing on delivering enormous social and economic benefits to the UK, especially for the East Midlands region where the plant will be built.”
The West Burton site in Nottinghamshire was chosen as the home for STEP due to its infrastructure, proximity to skilled workforces, and community support for innovative energy solutions.
Main image: Professor Sir Ian Chapman and Paul Methven. Credit: UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd
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