Major milestone for fusion energy project at West Burton

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 route-map 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.

Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE said: "Today marks a major milestone for STEP Fusion and the start of a long‑term strategy that will deliver thousands of future jobs, new opportunities, and significant investment for Greater Lincolnshire.

"One of my key ambitions is the creation of a new Greater Lincolnshire Trades College, and this announcement strengthens that mission - ensuring local people can gain the practical, technical, and engineering skills needed for the high‑value careers projects like STEP Fusion will generate.

"This is a pivotal moment for our area, and we are determined to ensure our residents, businesses, and young people are fully equipped to benefit from the energy future being built at West Burton.”

UK Fusion Energy CEO Paul Methven said the new strategy and the appointment of a construction partner marks a turning point for the programme.

He commented: “This the moment we move from research to delivery – setting a clear path to build the UK’s prototype fusion plant at West Burton.

“It also means that we’re beginning a journey to substantial employment around West Burton, and building up the world-class industry we need to deliver a new generation of clean energy power stations.”

The construction partner is named today as Ilios Consortium, led by UK construction giant Kier Group and Nuvia. With partners Bam Nuttall, A_LA, 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.

The fusion programme and the redevelopment of the West Burton site is expected to support the creation of up to 10,000 jobs by 2030.

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

Read the full announcement here: Appointment of ILIOS accelerates delivery of STEP Fusion at West Burton  - STEP Fusion