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Nuclear fusion prototype will be 'UK's Nasa moment'

UK Atomic Energy Authority An artist's impression of the STEP technology in actionUK Atomic Energy Authority
It is hoped Nottinghamshire might win a global race to prove the technology can provide clean energy

A nuclear fusion energy plant being built in Nottinghamshire has been described as the "UK's Nasa moment" as it races to become the first of its type in the world.

The experimental work, based at the decommissioned West Burton A power station near Retford, is aimed at creating a new energy source.

The project, called Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), was showcased at a launch event on Tuesday in Gainsborough, just over the border in Lincolnshire.

Nuclear fusion recreates the same process that powers the sun and if plans are approved, backers said the project was expected to be constructed by 2040.

LDRS Prof David GannLDRS
Prof David Gann says it is a case of "when, not if" the technology becomes a reality on an industrial scale

The STEP project is being led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UK IFS), which is owned by the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

West Burton A was chosen as the location for the facility in October 2022 by the government.

Prof David Gann, chair of UK IFS, said: “We’re on the cusp of creating an energy source for the world which will be transformative.

"We’re turning science into reality right here in Nottinghamshire.

“It’s a magnificent opportunity for any region to take on.

"We’ll see all sorts of new sectors opening up in robotics, AI [artificial intelligence], engineering, manufacturing and materials, and new companies growing.”

Google Maps / UK Industrial Fusion Solutions A map showing the project siteGoogle Maps / UK Industrial Fusion Solutions
Nottinghamshire, once renowned for its coal-fired power stations, could be at the forefront of the UK’s progress towards sustainable energy

Fusion is the process of combining atomic particles together, releasing huge amounts of energy, and is much cleaner than the nuclear fission currently used by some other power stations, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

If the project is successful, it is estimated that hundreds of jobs will be created during the design phase, thousands during construction and hundreds more for the long-term operation.

LDRS Political leaders and members of the UK Industrial Fusions Solutions at the STEP To Fusion launch eventLDRS
Speakers at the event hoped local young people would one day be running the project

Claire Ward, the East Midlands' elected mayor, said: "It's the UK's Nasa moment – the chance to develop brand new technology and change the world.

“We’re incredibly lucky to be the place where fusion will start and will build great opportunities for people in this region – and it’s a global opportunity too."

The bidding process to find a company to handle construction and another to handle engineering opened in May, with shortlists to be drawn up in October.

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