Britain's drive to become a clean energy superpower today takes a major step forward with the launch of a new government strategy aimed at accelerating the development of fusion energy.
The STEP Fusion programme will lead to the first working fusion prototype power plant at the site of the former West Burton Power Station in Nottinghamshire – opening the doors to virtually limitless clean energy.
Government’s new Fusion Strategy, revealed today by Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, sets out a clear routemap for attracting private investment and building a home-grown fusion energy industry.
In another mark of progress, Government has also announced the appointment of a construction partner who will speed-up the £200m redevelopment of West Burton into a world-class destination for energy innovation.
The announcements come in the midst of a Middle East conflict that has seen prices of oil and gas spike, which government says exposes the risks associated with long-term dependence on fossil fuel markets.
Lord Vallance said:
“We can be proud that Britain will lead the way on research, innovation and skills for a future of limitless fusion energy. 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.”
The construction partner is named today as the ILIOS consortium, led by UK construction giant Kier Group and Nuvia. With partners AL_A, Aecom and Turner & Townsend, they will redevelop the site of the former coal-fired power station, which closed down in 2023 after 57 years of energy generation.
On its own, the redevelopment project at West Burton will support 8,000 on site jobs when the project reaches its peak – creating new opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and business
Simon Matthews, programme director for ILIOS said:
“This is a significant milestone in the UK’s transition to clean energy. Following an extensive and collaborative procurement stage, we are proud to be selected as construction partner for the STEP programme and to be part of this innovative and transformative chapter in energy supply.
“Through our involvement on the STEP programme, we will help advance the UK’s future energy resilience and decarbonisation ambitions, supporting economic and regional growth, high-quality jobs and the development of a long-term, UK-based, fusion supply chain.”
UK Fusion Energy CEO Paul Methven said the new strategy and the appointment of a construction partner marks a decisive shift from research to delivery for STEP Fusion.
Paul Methven commented:
“The appointment of ILIOS as our Construction Partner marks a significant milestone for the STEP Programme. Their combined experience in major infrastructure, safety critical engineering and complex site transformation gives us real confidence as we move from planning into delivery. This partnership will help ensure that West Burton becomes a leading centre of fusion innovation and a cornerstone of the UK’s future clean energy landscape.”
As the appointed Construction Partner, ILIOS will be responsible for every aspect of construction at the West Burton site, including:
- Acting as the principal design and build contractor
- Delivering all construction work under STEP leadership
- Managing all early enabling works
- Coordinating design integration, civil engineering, buildings and site infrastructure
- Overseeing supply chains, logistics and sequencing
- Meeting all safety, sustainability and quality requirements
- Providing continuity and capability across a build programme leading to the prototype fusion plant’s planned operation in 2040.
Government’s new Fusion Strategy will also support the development of the world’s most powerful fusion supercomputer. Backed by a £45m investment, the Sunrise AI Supercomputer will accelerate fusion design, modelling and operation.
STEP Fusion’s progress will bring substantial benefits to people, businesses and the wider economy across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire:
- New skilled jobs from site redevelopment works through to operations, with supply chain mobilisation starting now across the East Midlands, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire
- Apprenticeships and training pathways delivered with local partners to build a long‑term skills base for fusion and related industries
- Major test facilities and programmes at West Burton, creating opportunities for engineering, manufacturing, professional services and digital firms to participate early
- A clear planning pathway via the Development Consent Order process, designed to support timely, safe delivery with embedded community engagement.
