The UK government’s industrial strategy has made this step programme a central focus to promote innovation, economic growth and energy safety.
The Step Programme is the UK flagship fusion programme aimed at providing prototype fusion power plants by 2040 in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.
It will receive £2.5 billion over five years, leading the global race for fusion energy, creating thousands of jobs and act as an anchor for the region’s new industrial ecosystem.
Step: A case study of fusion energy
The Industrial Strategy features the Step Program as a case study for Fusion Energy Development, along with further workstreams for the sector, including the UKAEA Fusion Futures Careers program.
The recent announcements will help highlight government support for the sector and confidence in the progress of the Step Programme so far.
Reflecting on the announcement of its industrial strategy, UKIFS CEO Paul Methven said:
“By building a prototype fusion power plant in the East Midlands, we are not only promoting clean energy, but also creating high-quality jobs, promoting innovation, and achieving economic growth both locally and nationwide.”
He added: “Making our global edge in such a transformative technology requires ambition and today’s publications of industrial strategy are at the heart of it, indicating that governments are rising to its challenges.”
The importance of Fusion in building clean technology
Other recent UK fusion energy milestones include the UKAEA – ENI Fusion Energy Fuels Partnership, announced in March, which will work to build the UK’s largest Tritium fuel cycle facility in the world, boosting a £100 million investment via Starmaker One Fund from the Central Government.
Fusion Energy already offers ripple effects with AI, robotics and advanced materials, securing a UK location at the forefront of clean technology.
Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Secretary of State Ed Miliband visited the UK’s Fusion Research Campus in Oxfordshire earlier this year. So he states:
In his introduction to industrial strategy, he lists fusion as an important part of the government’s mission. “By offering fusion in the East Midlands with our Step Program, we provide the benefits of the Clean Energy Superpower mission to our domestic communities.”
This project offers exciting innovation opportunities and opportunities to shape the future of clean energy. Step is currently in dialogue with potential construction and engineering partners, and is expected to announce the arrival of the winter of 2025/26.
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