£410m boost for power plant that could create 10,000 jobs

A huge funding boost of £410m to bring forward the STEP fusion energy plant at the former West Burton Power Station near Retford in Nottinghamshire has been revealed.

Meanwhile, five firms have been shortlisted to help build the plant, which is forecast to create around 10,000 jobs.

The Government hopes the prototype fusion energy plant will revitalise a UK industrial heartland, supporting new, skilled jobs in former coal communities.

Fusion uses the same process that powers the sun by combining two forms of hydrogen and heating them at extreme temperatures, releasing vast amounts of energy.

Mayor for the East Midlands Claire Ward said: “This is fantastic news for Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands, a region that’s ready and willing to lead the way in clean, green energy.

“I am delighted the government is committed to this investment in the East Midlands and look forward to working together to kickstart a green industrial revolutions, creating skilled jobs in our former coal mining communities.”

Five construction and engineering bids have progressed to the next round of the UKIFS competition to deliver the prototype fusion energy plant by 2040, driving progress towards the commercialisation of fusion in the UK to supply families and businesses with secure, clean and unlimited energy.

The following construction partners have been chosen by the UKIFS for the next stage of the procurement process, bidding to help build STEP:

• Inovus Infrastructure, consisting of Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering as the lead member and Vinci Construction, AtkinsRealis, Mott Macdonald and WSP as other members
• ILIOS, consisting of Kier Infrastructure and Overseas as the lead member and Bam Nuttal, Nuvia, AECOM, Turner and Townsend Infrastructure and Amanda Levete Architects as other members
• Ferrovial Mace JV, consisting of Ferrovial Construction UK as the lead member and Mace Consult as the other member

The following engineering partners have been chosen for the next stage of the process:

• Celestial JV, consisting of Eni UK as the lead member and AtkinsRealis, Jacobs Clean Energy (now Amentum), Westinghouse and Tokamak Energy as other members
• Phoenix (UK) Fusion, consisting of Cavendish Nuclear as the lead member, KBR  and Assystem Energy and Infrastructure as other members

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: “After scientists first theorised over 70 years ago that it could be possible, we are now within grasping distance of unlocking the power of the sun and providing families with secure, clean, unlimited energy.

“Britain is at the forefront of this global race to deliver fusion, and today’s record level of funding will provide investment and economic growth through our Plan for Change, delivering on net zero and creating the clean energy of the future.