Detail of outcome
Towards fusion energy:
government response
This government response sets out a summary of the responses
received to the consultation and related government decisions.
Having considered the responses received, the government intends
to proceed with its plans for developing a regulatory framework
for fusion energy. The government confirms that future fusion
energy facilities will be regulated under the legal framework
already in place for fusion.
The response sets out how the government will implement its
plans, including:
- the government conclusions on hazard profile, regulatory
proportionality and the need for ongoing assessment as fusion
technology matures
- the implications for regulators
- plans for legislation
Feedback received
Towards fusion energy:
consultation responses (Annex A)
Detail of feedback received
We received 58 responses from a range of organisations,
including:
- regulatory bodies
- fusion companies
- research organisations
- engineering firms
- academics
- members of the public
Original consultation
Summary
We're seeking views on the regulatory framework for fusion
energy.
This consultation ran from
9am on 1 October 2021 to 11:45pm on 24 December 2021
Consultation description
Fusion could be the ultimate clean power solution, representing a
low carbon, safe, abundant and continuous and effectively
unlimited source of energy. The UK is widely recognised as a
world-leader in the most promising fusion technologies.
Designs for fusion energy prototype power plants are now being
developed around the world by fusion research organisations and
private companies, targeting deployment in the 2030s and 2040s.
Fusion energy will need to be regulated appropriately and
proportionately in the UK, to maintain public and environmental
protections, provide public assurances and enable the growth of
this low carbon energy industry.
To inform policy on the regulation of fusion energy in the UK, we
want to provide an opportunity for anyone with an interest in
this area to share their knowledge and offer views on these
proposals. They cover regulation of:
- occupational and public health and safety
- environmental protection
- planning consent
- third party liabilities
- security and safeguards for radioactive material
In particular we would like to hear from:
- industry
- members of the public
- academia
- interest groups
- international organisations
- nuclear risk insurers
Separately the government has published its fusion strategy
which provides important context to this consultation. The fusion
strategy sets out how the UK government will leverage scientific,
commercial and international leadership to enable delivery of
fusion energy.
Read the BEIS
consultation privacy notice.
Please don’t send responses by post to the department at the
moment as we may not be able to access them.
Documents
Toward fusion energy: the
UK government's proposals for a regulatory framework for fusion
energy
