We were delighted that STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) brand was launched in West Lindsey in the summer of 2024.
The event held at the Trinity Arts Centre in Gainsborough marks the transition to next phase of the pioneering programme to build a prototype fusion powerplant at the neighbouring West Burton site in Nottinghamshire by 2040.
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.
What is Step?
- STEP is a major technology and infrastructure programme to build the UK’s first prototype fusion powerplant and to create a UK-led fusion industry.
- STEP will demonstrate net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a route to commercialisation. This will catalyse new ideas and technology that will benefit multiple industries and help secure our future on this planet.
- STEP is a government-funded industry partnership programme led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of UKAEA Group.
Key figures that attended the event included: Councillors from West Lindsey District Council, 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 and STEP is how we’ll make it happen. Fusion energy will be the next great 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.”
Families enjoyed a meet and greet with a friendly robot dog – the type of robotic technology that will support future fusion powerplants – alongside an immersive Sun Dome experience to provide a lesson in fusion, thanks to a UKAEA collaboration with the University of York.
Follow the STEP programme at @STEPtoFusion on X, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube and sign-up for STEP alerts at www.step.ukaea.uk
