Fusion energy research aims to capture the same
energy process that powers the Sun, and forms part of
the government’s long-term plans to harness new
technologies to build a strong, home-grown energy
sector that reduces reliance on fossil fuels and
exposure to volatile global gas prices. A fusion
power plant would combine hydrogen atoms to generate
energy without producing the carbon emissions that
contribute to climate change.
Due to the expected low hazard of fusion power, the
government is proposing the continuation of a
proportionate ‘non-nuclear’ regulatory approach as
laid out in regulatory consultation proposals
published today. This will allow for the safe and
efficient rollout of the technology through
innovation-friendly regulation.
In addition, the Fusion Strategy published alongside
the green paper sets out how the UK will leverage its
leadership in fusion to deliver commercialisation of
this potentially revolutionary technology.
Science Minister
said:
Fusion energy could be the ultimate power of the
future – low carbon, safe and sustainable – and we
want the UK to continue to lead the world as we
work to unlock its potential and build back
greener.
By putting in place the crucial foundations we’re
setting out today, we will ensure the UK is
uniquely placed to capitalise on this innovative
and revolutionary energy source in the years ahead
– helping to tackle climate change and reduce our
dependence on unreliable fossil fuels at the same
time.
As set out in the Prime Minister’s Ten Point Plan
for a Green Industrial Revolution, the government
wants the UK to develop the cutting-edge technologies
needed to end its contribution to climate change and
level up economic growth across the UK.
As part of this, the government aims to demonstrate
the commercial viability of fusion by building a
prototype fusion power plant, STEP (Spherical Tokamak
for Energy Production).The UK hopes to deliver the
world’s first prototype fusion power plant by 2040.
The strategy also aims for the UK to build a
world-leading fusion industry which can export fusion
technology around the world in subsequent decades,
securing the economic opportunities of a future, low
carbon energy market. Harnessing fusion power could
provide low-carbon, safe electricity, with the fuels
used in fusion reactions effectively inexhaustible.
Under the consultation published today, the
government is asking for industry stakeholders and
the public to have their say on fusion energy
regulation. The consultation closes on 24 December
2021.
