The UK government has announced a landmark £410 million investment to accelerate fusion energy development, driving economic growth and positioning the UK as a global clean energy leader. The funding supports the Plan for Change, aiming to deliver a world-first fusion power plant while creating thousands of skilled jobs.
The prototype fusion energy plant, Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), will transform a former coal site in Nottinghamshire into a hub for innovation and sustainable energy. Leading construction and engineering firms have been shortlisted to help deliver this ambitious project:
Construction Partners:
- Inovus Infrastructure: Led by Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering, with Vinci Construction, AtkinsRealis, Mott Macdonald, and WSP.
- ILIOS: Led by Kier Infrastructure and Overseas, with Bam Nuttal, Nuvia Limited, AECOM Ltd, Turner and Townsend Infrastructure Ltd, and Amanda Levete Architects Ltd.
- Ferrovial Mace JV: Led by Ferrovial Construction UK Ltd, with Mace Consult Ltd.
Engineering Partners:
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Celestial JV: Led by Eni UK Limited, with AtkinsRealis, Jacobs Clean Energy (Amentum), Westinghouse, and Tokamak Energy.
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Phoenix (UK) Fusion Limited: Led by Cavendish Nuclear Ltd, with KBR Ltd and Assystem Energy and Infrastructure Ltd.
Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said:
The STEP project will revitalise Nottinghamshire’s former coal community, creating thousands of skilled jobs and putting the region at the forefront of clean energy innovation.
This is what our clean energy transition is about – creating jobs in our local communities and building the skills we need on the path to net zero.
The funding includes:
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Enhancing R&D capabilities through Fusion Futures, including a new fusion fuel facility.
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Repurposing the JET fusion machine for cutting-edge research.
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Establishing an AI Growth Zone at Culham to leverage artificial intelligence for fusion advancements.
Fusion energy, which replicates the sun’s process by combining hydrogen atoms at extreme temperatures, offers a pathway to limitless, clean power. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
"We are within grasping distance of unlocking the power of the sun and creating the clean energy of the future, delivering on net zero and driving economic growth."
As the UK leads the global race for fusion energy, this investment ensures the country remains at the forefront of innovation, unlocking sustainable growth for generations to come.
Source: www.gov.uk "Plan for Change to deliver jobs and growth in UK leading fusion industry" Press Release from: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, Kerry McCarthy MP and The Rt Hon Ed Miliband MP
