The UK government has announced a groundbreaking £20 million investment to launch Starmaker One, the UK’s first private fusion electricity investment fund.
The initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy and to expand and innovate companies and start-ups in the sector.
Prepaid government funding is expected to attract further private sector investment, position the UK as a global leader in fusion technology, and create thousands of advanced jobs.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the importance of this investment.
“The fusion could potentially bring the best of technology to our shores and provide energy security while training the next generation of British scientists and engineers.
“We stand behind both nuclear and fusion powers. Today we are one step ahead to growing this exciting industry.”
Fusion energy explained
Fusion energy is an innovative power source that mimics the same process that promotes the sun.
This involves combining two isotope hydrogen at extreme temperatures to generate a huge amount of energy in a clean, virtually infinite way.
Unlike traditional fission, fusion does not produce long-lived radioactive waste and is a safe and sustainable alternative to the growing energy needs of the world.
Breaking financial barriers to growth
Historically, British fusion energy companies have faced major challenges in access to capital, limiting their ability to scale and commercialize technology.
The launch of Starmaker One will instill confidence in private investors to provide important financial support and promote the commercialization of fusion energy.
By ensuring a stable flow of investment, the UK government is reinforcing its commitment to maintaining leadership in the global fusion competition.
Supports innovation and job creation
New funding will allow small fusion companies to train highly skilled professionals in key areas such as physics, engineering, and chemistry.
Additionally, the initiative will help businesses develop and commercialize cutting-edge technologies in industries such as magnetism, industrial, robotics, healthcare, transportation, and energy storage.
Fusion Energy already supports thousands of jobs across the UK, particularly in areas such as Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire and South Yorkshire.
With fusion playing a key role in the growth corridor at Oxford Cumbridge, investment in the sector is expected to create more employment opportunities.
An independent study from London Economics found that investments in fusion energy for every pound contribute nearly £4 to the UK economy.
The Minister of Science and Lord Balance, champion of the Oxford Cumbridge growth corridor, added:
“This investment will help unlock the funds needed to grow the fusion industry. This will increase the UK region in Calham, such as Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire, the epicenter of British fusion and Calham.”
We position the UK as a global fusion leader
The establishment of Starmaker One marks the first early stage Fusion Venture Capital Fund outside the US and is the first global to partner with government investors.
The move highlights the UK’s ambition to lead the development and export of fusion technology to global markets where it is expected to be worth trillions in the future.
The investment is in line with the government’s broader commitment to fusion energy, following a record £410 million investment in January to advance UK-based fusion research and international collaboration.
If successful deployment, Fusion Energy can revolutionize the global energy system and provide abundant, safe and clean power sources to meet the rising energy needs of future generations.
Now, by injecting capital into the fusion industry, the UK is driving long-term growth, strengthening its supply chain and paving the way for commercial-scale fusion energy solutions.
This groundbreaking investment will strengthen the nation’s position as a sustainable energy leader and ensure it remains competitive in evolving global markets.
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