Gainsborough Steps Forward To Fusion Energy

24th July 2024

STEP brand launch marks transition to next phase of pioneering programme to build a prototype fusion powerplant at West Burton site by 2040.

the Gainsborough community and VIPs from across the region gathered at an event to showcase advancements and future plans for STEP, the UK's prototype fusion energy plant that will be built at West Burton in Nottinghamshire.

The STEP programme will create thousands of jobs during construction and aims to build a bold new industry that will place the Midlands and UK at the forefront of fusion-related engineering and commercial progress.

The event at Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, brought together key figures including Claire Ward, Mayor of East Midlands, Sir John Peace, Chair of Midlands Engine, Professor David Gann, Chair, and Paul Methven, CEO, of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, the company that will be responsible for the delivery of STEP.

The pioneering STEP programme aims to demonstrate net energy from fusion energy, fuel self-sufficiency and will catalyse new ideas and technologies that will benefit multiple industries, helping to secure the future of the planet.

Prof. David Gann, Chair of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, a subsidiary of UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Group said: "Our vision is a world in which fusion energy powers everyday life. STEP will be a demonstration fusion power station leading the way in making this happen. Fusion energy is the next great technological breakthrough for humankind."

Claire Ward, Mayor of East Midlands, said: "I'm delighted that the East Midlands Combined County Authority will be at the heart of the collective effort to build the skills for fusion technology. STEP is a triumph of imagination, innovation and collaboration - and a powerful recognition of both the historical role the region has played in energy innovation and our ambition for the future."

Sir John Peace, Chair of Midlands Engine, added: "This investment in clean energy research will create jobs and deliver opportunities in the local area for decades to come. As we've worked together to deliver the STEP programme so far, I’ve been impressed by the strength of our partnership - the willingness to collaborate to drive progress. And that’s going to be even more important as we enter this exciting new phase of the programme."

A first for Gainsborough

The Gainsborough community gathered for a series of updates about the STEP programme which covered West Burton site, supply chain and technical progress, and were invited to contribute feedback to the West Burton Site Vision ahead of the 31 July deadline.

Families enjoyed a meet and greet with a friendly robot dog alongside an immersive Sun Dome experience to provide a lesson in fusion, thanks to a UKAEA collaboration with the University of York.

The STEP Outreach team has already visited a number of schools and colleges across the region, highlighting the benefits of fusion energy and a host of career options that will be become available as the STEP programme and fusion industry develops.

Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and Senior Responsible Owner for STEP, said: “We are working together, with one mission, to develop fusion energy, scale it and deliver it at pace. We have the theory we need for abundant energy. Now, with STEP, we’ll turn that into practice. We are asking everyone to join our mission to fusion - you can all be part of helping to secure our future on this planet.”

STEP scientists created a synthetic image of the edge of a future STEP plasma to inspire the brand colour palette of pink, purple and blue. Pink is also recognised as a forward-thinking and inclusive colour.

Fusion occurs when a mix of two types of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium) are heated to form a plasma at extreme temperatures (10 times hotter than the core of the Sun). They fuse together to create helium and release huge amounts of energy which can be harnessed to produce electricity.

Follow the STEP programme at @STEPtoFusion on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube and sign-up for STEP alerts at www.step.ukaea.uk