Fusion reactor will create thousands of jobs
The awarding of the £200 million contract to turn the former West Burton Power Station into a world-leading STEP fusion plant marks a major milestone in the UK’s clean energy ambitions.
The government announced yesterday that the consortium ILIOS will be the construction partner for what has been described as the space race for this generation – the creation of a completely new energy source.
Nuclear fusion is the process which powers the sun, which scientists have been trying to recreate for almost a century – the first experiments were in Cambridge in 1932. Opponents describe it as a ‘pie in the sky programme’ which does not address the immediate concerns of climate change even though it does not rely on fossil fuels or produce harmful greenhouse gases and is the opposite of the nuclear fission used in existing nuclear power plants.
However, the partnership of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero say the announcement of a construction lead will speed up the development.
The government also unveiled its new Fusion Strategy with Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, setting out a route map for attracting private investment and building a home-grown fusion energy industry.
“We can be proud that Britain will lead the way on research, innovation and skills for a future of limitless fusion energy,” said Lord Vallance.
“By backing our fusion industry, we are not only securing our future energy independence, but from innovation and research to engineers, we are also providing the skilled clean energy jobs of the future for British people.”
West Burton Power Station is just over the River Trent and the Lincolnshire border near Gainsborough and its towers – due to be demolished by 2028 – can be seen from Lincoln on a clear day. The impact of the STEP will create thousands of construction and engineering jobs as well as boosting supply chain businesses.
West Lindsey District Council welcomed both announcements: “The STEP Fusion programme marks a transformational moment for our region. West Burton has long been a powerhouse of UK energy, and the announcements secure its future at the heart of clean, cutting-edge innovation,” said Leader Cllr Jackie Brockway.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to fusion development and the significant investment it brings with the news of the construction partner announced. This project has the potential to unlock thousands of skilled jobs, strengthen our local economy, and place West Lindsey at the forefront of the UK’s transition to sustainable energy. We are proud to play our part in shaping this new chapter for our community and for the nation’s energy future.”
See video above for more about the STEP fusion process and follow the link below to see the latest work on the West Burton site – the demolition of the 782,000 square metre Boiler House.