The world's first fusion energy-themed café was officially
inaugurated today, marking a milestone in public engagement with
fusion energy science and technology.
The Fusion Energy Café, located within the Bridge Skills Hub,
Worksop, aims to raise awareness and increase knowledge of fusion
energy in a welcoming setting.
Featuring interactive displays, themed décor, nourishing
refreshments, and guest talks, the space serves as a platform to
inspire interest in fusion energy. It showcases fusion energy as
a sustainable, low carbon energy solution while highlighting its
potential as a transformative technology for the future.
Fusion is set to become a key industry for the area with the
planned construction of the STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy
Production) prototype fusion plant at the West Burton site.
The Cafe's opening is part of a broader effort to engage the
local community in the programme, which will create skills
development opportunities and jobs for local people. The opening
ceremony was led by Climate Minister, , who said: “The Fusion
Energy Café is a fantastic way to inspire a whole generation to
learn more about this groundbreaking technology and its potential
to deliver safe, sustainable, and low-carbon energy, helping us
in our fight against climate change.
“This initiative, inspired by the development of the STEP
prototype power plant at West Burton, will not only help to drive
progress in clean energy but also bring valuable skills, jobs,
and investment to the area.”
Cllr , Deputy Leader at Bassetlaw
District Council, said: “We are delighted to be working
collaboratively with our partners on this groundbreaking venture
to raise awareness and knowledge about the opportunities that
fusion energy, science, and technology will bring to our
communities.
“The Fusion Energy Café will provide a vital link in supporting
the skills outreach learning for STEP and STEM, (science,
technology, engineering and mathematics) as we look to upskill
young people in the district, ready for a range of exciting
employment opportunities in the future.”
The Fusion Energy Café is funded by the United Kingdom Atomic
Energy Authority (UKAEA), Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) and
North Notts Business Improvement District (NNBID).
In addition to showcasing fusion energy, the Café will provide
work placements for individuals with disabilities, those not
currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), and
individuals who have been long-term unemployed.
The Fusion Energy Café is proudly operated by local entrepreneur,
Diana Kaponas. Nick Walkden, Head of Fusion Skills at UKAEA,
said: “We are proud to be working with Bassetlaw District Council
and North Notts Business Improvement District on this unique and
exciting community-focused initiative in Worksop.
“The Fusion Energy Café will highlight the potential of fusion
energy to local communities, particularly through the STEP
Programme at West Burton, while advancing our commitment to
unlocking the social benefits fusion can bring.”
Sally Gillborn MBE, Chief Executive at North Notts BID, said:
“The opening of the Fusion Energy Café delivers on the commitment
we outlined in our 2022-2027 business plan to create a community
cafe that will provide hands-on hospitality skills development
and working experience for people with learning difficulties.
“Through this collaboration with Bassetlaw District Council and
UKAEA, and with Diana's support with the day-to-day running, we
are excited to see how the presence of the Café at the Skills
Bridge Hub will grow as a space to educate the community on the
fusion energy industry, which will have an important role for
employment opportunities in the future of the district.”
The Café's opening was preceded by Minister McCarthy's visit to
West Burton, the home of STEP, where the UK's first prototype
fusion energy powerplant will be built, located near Worksop.
Fusion energy has the potential to offer safe, sustainable and
low carbon energy for generations to come. It could be
transformative for energy security and important in the fight
against climate change.
The Fusion Energy Café's opening hours are: Monday – Friday,
08:30AM-17:00PM, Saturday, 09:00AM to 15:00PM.
