Two key new government reports will help pave the way for
the UK to lead the world in commercialising fusion.
The UK will become the first country in the world to detail
how it would legislate for the deployment of fusion energy,
outlined in a Fusion Green
Paper launched by Science Minister . 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 the regulatory
consultation proposals. 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.
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.
Professor Ian Chapman, UKAEA’s CEO, welcomed the government
reports:
This is the first time the UK government has ever
published a strategy for fusion, which exemplifies the
importance of fusion in its plans. The fact that it is
also consulting on how fusion power plants will be
regulated in the future also shows the high-level support
and progressive approach to enabling fusion to happen
here in the UK.
These are clear signs that government is working with us
at UKAEA, as we strive to deliver on our mission to
deliver sustainable fusion power.
Under the Green Paper
consultation, 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.
