The UK is investing £2.5 billion over 5 years to lead the global
race for fusion energy, with the STEP programme at its
core. STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the
UK's flagship fusion programme, aiming to deliver a prototype
fusion power plant by 2040 at West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Built
on the site of a former coal-fired power station, STEP is
delivering a ‘fossil to fusion' mission and will create thousands
of jobs, as well as acting as an anchor for a new industrial
ecosystem in the region as part of the East Midlands Combined
Authority's Clean Energy Supercluster along the River Trent.
Delivered by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), STEP is a
cornerstone of the UK's clean energy and industrial future.
The Industrial Strategy features STEP as a case study for fusion
energy development, alongside further workstreams in the sector,
such as the UK Atomic Energy Authority's (UKAEA) Fusion Futures
careers programme. Today's announcements serve to highlight the
government's support for the sector and confidence in the STEP
programme's progress to date.
Other recent UK fusion milestones include a UKAEA–ENI fusion
energy fuels partnership announced in March, working to build the
world's largest tritium fuel cycle facility in the UK, and a £100
million investment boost via the Starmaker One fund from central
government. Fusion is already delivering spillover benefits in
AI, robotics and advanced materials - securing the UK's place at
the forefront of clean technology.
UKIFS CEO Paul Methven reflected on the Industrial Strategy
announcement:
The UK is at the forefront of global fusion energy research, and
STEP is the flagship initiative poised to transform that
leadership into commercial reality. By building our prototype
fusion power plant in the East Midlands, we're not only advancing
clean energy but also creating high-quality jobs, driving
innovation, and delivering economic growth both regionally and
nationally.
Maintaining our global edge in such a transformative technology
demands ambition and today's Industrial Strategy publication,
with STEP at its heart, shows that government is rising to that
challenge. We're ready to turn this bold vision into action and
ensure the UK leads the way in this exciting sector.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
visited UK's Fusion Research Campus in Oxfordshire
earlier this year, where he 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.
In the introduction within the Industrial Strategy today, he
lists fusion as a key part of the government's mission:
(By delivering) fusion in the East Midlands we will deliver the
benefits of our Clean Energy Superpower Mission to communities up
and down the country.'
The project offers exciting innovation opportunities and a chance
to shape the future of clean energy. STEP is currently in
dialogue with potential Construction and Engineering partners,
with announcements expected this coming winter 2025/26.
Notes to Editors
The Industrial Strategy is available here: Industrial
Strategy: Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan
STEP and UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS)
Ltd
The first of its kind, STEP is the UK's major technology and
infrastructure programme to build a prototype fusion power plant
that will demonstrate net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a
viable route to plant maintenance. This 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'll achieve this by producing a prototype tokamak power plant -
in an innovative spherical shape - that will demonstrate net
energy. That's why the programme is called STEP: it stands for
‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production'. But STEP is about more
than tokamak technology - it's a huge endeavour encompassing
design, site development and construction, alongside supply chain
logistics and industry. Fusion research and development has the
potential to catalyse new ideas and technologies that will
benefit multiple industries and help secure our future on this
planet.
By fusing government and business, inspiration and pragmatism,
theory and practice, UK-expertise and international impact, we're
going to realise the step-change that will secure humanity's
bright future. A recent report by AMION, commissioned by
local authorities, set out the economic potential of the STEP
programme - summary
HERE
To sign-up for updates about STEP, visit: step.ukaea.uk or follow
our social channels @STEPtoFusion.
