STEP

STEP Fusion is a government-funded industry partnership programme designed to scale a consistent fusion energy supply.

STEP Fusion is classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). That means it’ll be recognised by a Development Consent Order (DCO) — making it a world-leading programme. Discover what makes STEP Fusion different.

The STEP programme will require much of the infrastructure and facilities you’d see on any operational power station — and then some. So we’ll need a team with a wide range of skills and experience: from apprentices, to graduates, to professionals, across everything from science and engineering to construction and catering. But direct STEP Fusion jobs will only be one part of the story. Our aim is to create an ecosystem of fusion industry, with the potential to create thousands of roles.

Global energy demand will increase in the second half of the century, with the global energy market expected to be worth trillions of pounds per year — commercial fusion will have a big role to play. In addition, we believe the ‘Megawatt Valley’ region — around West Burton, where STEP Fusion is based — will become a global catalyst hub for a wide range of technological, engineering and scientific expertise, leading to massive economic opportunities. Right now, we’re looking for procurement partners to help us make this happen.

Born out of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the world’s largest national fusion laboratory, and backed by the UK Government, we are building on over 70 years’ experience across all aspects of fusion energy development, including 40 years of operating JET, to integrate the delivery of commercial fusion energy plants and build the associated industry.

STEP Fusion will be a catalyst for the fusion sector in the energy heartland of the UK. We have strong national and regional support including £1.3bn of funding for the next stage of the programme.

We are proving the technologies required and completing an integrated design which will deliver net power to the grid, breed tritium fuel, and demonstrate a path to commercial viability.

ILIOS – a joint venture between Kier and Nuvia, supported by AECOM, AL_A and Turner & Townsend – has been chosen as STEP Fusion’s construction partner.

The consortium supports the design and construction of buildings, infrastructure and facilities across the STEP Fusion site, alongside constructability, programme planning, site management, supply chain engagement and project controls, helping to ensure delivery is safe, buildable and fully integrated with the wider programme.

STEP Fusion/UK Fusion Energy Ltd. West Burton Power Station Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 9BL UK

STEP Fusion/UK Fusion Energy Ltd. Culham Campus Abingdon Oxfordshire OX14 3DB UK

Fusion energy will be the next great breakthrough for humankind. So we’re building a prototype fusion powerplant. By 2040. STEP Fusion is a UK-led, world-leading programme. It’s bringing government and industry together to develop fusion energy, scale it, and then deliver it at pace. Our mission is to generate net energy from fusion and to stimulate an industry that will help prove its commercial viability. We’ll achieve this by producing a prototype tokamak powerplant – in an innovative spherical shape – to provide energy to the grid.

Humanity faces a future of severe challenges. If we want to continue to flourish, we need revolutionary new technology. That technology is fusion. By copying the process that powers the Sun and stars, fusion has the potential to provide a safe, abundant source of low carbon energy.

STEP Fusion is a catalyst for regional growth, and will stimulate massive social and economic benefits. We are actively engaging with the local communities that surround our site – take a look at the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the STEP programme.

Register for STEP Fusion alerts to stay informed about what’s happening across the programme, including supply chain updates, site news and community engagement events.