New company will take over UK fusion program STEP

Friday, November 1, 2024

The creation of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) as the new body to deliver the UK’s fusion program was announced in February 2023 by the then Science Secretary George Freeman.

UKIFS will lead a public-private partnership that will design, build and operate the STEP fusion plant prototype at West Burton Power Station in Nottinghamshire, England. The West Burton site has been selected to host STEP in October 2022.

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), which conducts fusion energy research on behalf of the government, said it will continue to be STEP’s fusion partner, working alongside two industry partners – one in design and one in construction – to lead the development of the British fusion industry.

“Major procurement is currently underway to select STEP’s strategic, long-term industry partners and the shortlist is expected to be announced by the end of the year,” UKAEA said.

“The launch of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions demonstrates significant progress and commitment to developing fusion as a viable clean energy source, and to building a UK-led fusion industry,” said Paul Methven, CEO of UKIFS and Senior Responsible Owner of STEP. “STEP is a national initiative with global impact and we will continue to work closely with public and private sector partners to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of a revolutionary sustainable new energy source that will drive economic growth.”

Ian Chapman, UKAEA Chief Executive, said: “UKIFS brings together an experienced team dedicated to translating decades of fusion research into a functioning prototype plant that will be capable of delivering low-carbon, safe and sustainable energy to the grid. UKIFS will be an integrated partner in the national effort to build STEP, while also focusing on delivering huge social and economic benefits to the UK, particularly for the East Midlands region where the plant will be built.”

The goal of the first phase of work on STEP is to create a “conceptual design” by the end of this year. The UK government is providing £220 million ($285 million) in funding. The next stage of work will include detailed engineering design, with all relevant permits and consents for the construction of the prototype being obtained. The final stage is construction, with the start of operation scheduled for approximately 2040. The goal is to have a fully developed design and obtain planning permission by 2032, allowing construction to begin. The demonstration plant should be operational by 2040.

STEP’s technical goals are: supply of more than 100 MW of predictable, useful electricity; innovate to harness fusion energy beyond electricity generation; ensure self-sufficiency in tritium; Qualify materials and components under appropriate welding conditions; and develop a viable path to affordable life cycle costs.