February 2023
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This conference looked at priorities for developing the fusion industry in the UK.
It was a timely opportunity to assess next steps for scaling up, commercialising and regulating the UK fusion sector against the backdrop of:
- the Government’s aim of a regulatory regime that will support rapid development
- government plans for fusion following its consultation on the Towards fusion energy strategy
- the selection of the West Burton power station site in Nottinghamshire as the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant, as part of the STEP programme
With industry making increasing advances across a range of technologies, discussion brought together key stakeholders to consider the scientific and engineering challenges involved in delivering fusion energy at commercially viable levels.
Delegates examined what is needed to build a supply chain, establish a market, and improve the UK’s international positioning in order to grow longer-term export opportunities.
Overall, sessions in the agenda looked at:
- policy: discussing the fusion strategy and sector regulation - the STEP programme - assessing the role fusion energy can play in the UK’s energy mix - key opportunities and barriers
- regulation: creating the unique regulatory framework for fusion - what is needed to support development, commercialisation and export opportunities
- market development: enabling operation and maintenance at commercially viable levels - prospects for scaling up in time to meet 2040 timelines
- supply chain: assessing pathways to reducing costs, de-risking commercial investment and accelerating growth - developing the skills pipeline and growing the workforce
- collaboration: priorities and structures for domestic and international joint-working between science, R&D, industry, investors and policy
- investment: strategic options for attracting investment - establishing a market - competitive positioning alongside existing forms of dispatchable power
- long-term: scaling-up technologies, driving innovation and utilising novel technologies - meeting infrastructure demands
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote contributions from Dr Adam Baker, Head of Fusion, BEIS; and Professor Sir Ian Chapman, Chief Executive, UK Atomic Energy Authority.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the BEIS; Department for the Economy, NI; DIT; DfT; Department of Finance, NI; DLUHC; DAERA; HSE; NIRO; Ofcom; Planning Inspectorate; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.
