UK and US launch £40.5 million joint fusion project with Tokamak
Energy to advance clean energy technology that will unlock
near-unlimited clean power.
- New project to strengthen UK and US partnership on fusion
energy
- key step towards unlocking near-unlimited clean power
- technology to strengthen energy security and create new
jobs
A major project to help develop cutting-edge fusion energy has
been agreed between the US and UK – in partnership with UK based
company Tokamak Energy – boosting UK's mission to become a clean
energy superpower.
This first-of-its-kind project between both governments will be
backed by £40.5 million to advance lithium research – driving
progress towards commercialising fusion energy, a technology that
could generate a near unlimited supply of clean electricity for
families and businesses.
Fusion works by combining two forms of hydrogen and heating them
at extreme temperatures, releasing vast amounts of energy. The
project leverages funding from the US into UK supply chains and
growth of high-quality jobs.
The project will start in 2025 at Tokamak Energy's Oxfordshire
facility. It will focus on enhancing the efficiency and
durability of plasma-facing components – a critical challenge in
unlocking fusion's potential.
This is the first joint project since the UK and US announced
their fusion energy partnership in November 2023. It underscores
the UK's leadership in fostering public-private collaboration to
accelerate fusion energy development – a technology poised to
revolutionise clean energy.
Climate Minister said:
The UK and US are world leaders in the development of fusion
energy and I'm delighted that both sides are collaborating to
accelerate progress, which will help deliver new jobs across the
country, grow our economy and make us more energy secure.
This project represents a bold step forward in the global race to
commercialise fusion. By working with our international partners
and the private sector, we are paving the way for a future of
clean, limitless energy.
Dr. Geraldine Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and
Innovation at the US Department of Energy said:
This represents a huge leverage opportunity for advancing fusion
science and technology.
These new investments will strengthen our partnerships with the
private sector and our international allies. Each partner stands
to gain significantly more than the funds committed.
Tokamak Energy CEO Warrick Matthews said:
Tokamak Energy is thrilled to be involved in this exciting new
public private partnership.
Our ST40 facility in Oxfordshire is the world's highest magnetic
field spherical tokamak and the results of this mission will help
accelerate progress on both sides of the Atlantic.
Notes to editors
The project known as LEAPS will be backed by £40.5 million, with
£13.5 million coming from the UK through the Fusion Futures
Programme, £13.5 million from the US and £13.5 million from
Tokamak Energy.
The UK's share comes from the existing Fusion Futures programme
which was launched in 2023 that has budget allocated for
international research collaboration.
The budget set for the Future Fusion Programme under the previous
government totals £650 million.
