The announcement follows the publication of the Government’s new fusion strategy from DESNZ, setting the direction for the UK’s long-term approach to developing and delivering fusion energy. ILIOS is a consortium led by a joint venture between Kier and Nuvia, and supported by AECOM, AL_A Architects and Turner & Townsend.  

This appointment comes as UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd, soon to be known as UK Fusion Energy Ltd, enters the next phase of delivery for the STEP programme. The name change reflects the organisation’s growing focus on delivering the prototype fusion plant at West Burton and its ambition to lead the industrial team that will design and build future commercial fusion facilities.  

Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) and Responsible Officer for STEP Fusion, said: 
 
“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.”  
 
Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear 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.” 

 Building Confidence 

Although the STEP programme is unique, the ILIOS consortium brings extensive experience from major national infrastructure, high hazard civil engineering, nuclear sector delivery, complex scientific and energy facilities, large programme and cost management, and world-class design for innovation environments giving STEP confidence that the team can meet the technical and delivery demands of the project. 

An Innovative and Transformative Chapter 
 
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.” 

What ILIOS will deliver as Construction Partner 

As the appointed Construction Partner, ILIOS will be responsible for every aspect of construction at the West Burton site, including: 

• Acting as 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 planned operation in 2040  

Local benefits 

The appointment also brings significant benefits for the local area, with the STEP programme expected to unlock substantial employment opportunities throughout the build. At its peak, construction at West Burton is anticipated to support up to 8,000 onsite jobs, creating new opportunities for local workers, apprentices and businesses, and anchoring long-term economic growth in the region.  

Renaming for the future of fusion, Paul Methven reflects on the name change to UK Fusion Energy  
 
“We’ve achieved an extraordinary amount in just a year, but the most important work still lies ahead. Our new name reflects who we are becoming – an organisation with a clear mission, real momentum and a growing responsibility to deliver.” 

ILIOS Consortium partners

Although STEP is a first‑of‑a‑kind programme, the ILIOS partners bring extensive experience in delivering complex, high‑hazard and nationally significant projects:

• Kier – major UK transport and energy infrastructure, construction and developments delivery
• Nuvia – decades of safety‑critical engineering experience
• AECOM – global leader in complex scientific, defence and energy facilities
• AL_A Architects– internationally recognised architects specialising in cutting‑edge science and innovation environments
• Turner & Townsend – programme, cost and risk management for flagship infrastructure portfolios

Programme Director Dr James Cowan will share an update on STEP’s progress and vision during a keynote presentation, before joining a panel session exploring the region-shaping Trent Supercluster.

Futureproof 26 will bring together more than 400 business leaders, policymakers, academics and innovators for a day dedicated to practical action on clean growth and sustainability, hosted at the Broadway Cinema.

Featuring more than 60 speakers and 40 sessions across four stages, it will shine a national spotlight on the East Midlands as a driving force for green innovation.

As the UK’s prototype fusion energy programme, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is developing the world’s first fusion power plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, transforming a former coal-fired power station into a hub of clean-energy innovation.

The project will generate thousands of highly skilled jobs, unlock major supply-chain opportunities, and position the East Midlands at the heart of a new global fusion industry.

STEP matters because fusion has the potential to deliver safe, low-carbon, long-term energy security – and with West Burton at its centre, many of the benefits will be felt first across the East Midlands, Greater Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire.

Dr Cowan calls STEP Fusion “one of the most exciting scientific, engineering and commercial challenges of our generation – and one with global impact for communities and industry.”

The West Burton site forms a cornerstone of the Trent Supercluster, a bold regional vision to transform three former power station sites along the River Trent into a world-class clean-energy and technology corridor. The Supercluster is expected to create up to 15,500 jobs and deliver a £930m annual boost to the East Midlands economy.

For people, places and businesses across the East Midlands, STEP Fusion represents not just a clean-energy project, but a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead a new industrial era. You can find out more about Futureproof 26 here – https://marketingnottingham.uk/futureproof-nottingham-2026/

This recognition reflects the strength and depth of our regional collaboration of local authorities, combined authorities, academic institutions and government partners with a shared ambition to deliver a UK Prototype Fusion Powerplant in the region.

By aligning expertise, building trust and working collectively across organisational boundaries, the partnership is driving forward one of the most significant innovation programmes in the country.

About the STEP Programme

At the heart of this nomination is STEP Fusion a coordinated effort to accelerate the UK’s progress in fusion energy while delivering long-term economic and social value for the East Midlands and wider regions.

The programme brings together regional and national partners to:

• Shape the development of the STEP prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton
• Create new skills, training and career pathways for local communities
• Support supply chain growth and inward investment
• Ensure the region leads the UK in emerging clean technology innovation‑technology innovation
• Build a legacy of opportunity spanning industry, education and research

The partnership’s approach is built on shared priorities, ensuring every organisation contributes unique strengths while working towards a single, aligned vision for regional transformation.

Our partnership includes:

• UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS)
• East Midlands County Combined Authority
• Greater Lincolnshire County Combined Authority
• Nottinghamshire County Council
• Lincolnshire County Council
• Bassetlaw District Council
• West Lindsey District Council
• University of Nottingham
• UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA)
  

The awards ceremony takes place in London, on 26 February. The partnership will be represented by UKIFS and Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire County Councils.

Ryan Ramsey, Director of Organisational Performance at UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (STEP Fusion) said:

“Being shortlisted for this award highlights the exceptional collaboration that underpins the STEP programme. Our regional partners, from local authorities to leading universities and government teams have shown remarkable commitment, shared purpose and determination.

Together, we are building a UK leading programme that not only advances fusion technology but creates and industry and opportunities for people, businesses and communities.”

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said: 

“STEP Fusion brings together world-class expertise, industry capability, and strong local partnerships to create a nationally significant hub of innovation. But this isn’t just about energy and technology – it is about partnership. This nomination reflects our shared commitment to accelerating inclusive, green growth in our region.

“STEP Fusion is delivering real opportunities for local people, whether that’s equipping them with high-value skills or connecting them to secure jobs. By working together, we’re putting people at the heart of the UK’s clean technology future.”


Councillor James Walker-Gurley, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Asset Management said:

“West Burton is a cornerstone of our county’s industrial heritage, and now it stands at the heart of our region’s future.

“Having the STEP programme rooted here in Nottinghamshire, which the county council was instrumental in, is a huge vote of confidence in our county.  We’re proud that Nottinghamshire is helping to lead the way for the UK creating new opportunities, new skills and jobs.”

Cllr Charles Adams, Cabinet Member for Business and Skills at Bassetlaw District Council, said:

“As the home of STEP fusion, Bassetlaw is proud to play a leading role in a partnership that is delivering one of the most ambitious innovation programmes in the UK.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of all our partners and the shared belief in what the wider region can achieve and how it can be delivered by bringing together all interested parties, including the local community to build on over 60 years of industrial heritage and deliver a clean energy revolution.

“STEP Fusion will bring long‑term benefits to Bassetlaw from skills and employment to infrastructure investment and has already resulted in the area having a national and international profile and we are delighted to see that work acknowledged.”

Cllr Liam Kelly, Executive Councillor for Growth at Lincolnshire County Council, said: 

“This partnership demonstrates the value of working closely with local and national partners under a shared vision for the future.

“The STEP Fusion programme promises to bring new skills, investment and ambition to our region, and together we are working hard to realise all that potential for the benefit of our residents and businesses. To have this collaborative effort nationally recognised is a testament to the work already completed and the continued commitment to teamwork, trust and dedication as we move forward.”

Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council said:

“West Lindsey is delighted to see this partnership recognised on the national stage. As the closest neighbouring district to West Burton, we understand the significance of the STEP Programme for our communities and the wider region.

This nomination highlights the importance of working together to support a project that has the potential to bring skills, investment and future opportunities for residents on both sides of the River Trent.”

Professor Tom Rodden, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research & Knowledge Exchange at the University of Nottingham said:

“Being part of this collaboration is an exciting opportunity to accelerate our shared ambition to position the region as a global centre for clean energy innovation.

“By harnessing world‑class research assets such as the University of Nottingham’s Zero Carbon Innovation Centre, we can attract greater public and private R&D investment, boost regional economic growth, and help shape the UK’s green industrial future.”

Thought Leadership Article from Ryan Ramsey, Director of Organisational Performance, UKIFS

Fusion is often explained through physics but its real significance lies in the industrial capability and national advantage builds long before the first power plant switches on. It is, after all, one of the most complex scientific challenges humanity has taken on. The science matters, but focusing on the science alone misses why governments are investing now. 

Put plainly:  fusion is the process that powers the sun and stars. Instead of burning fuel, stars join atoms together and release vast amounts of energy. What truly matters though, is what fusion offers: clean, low-carbon energy; minimal long-lived waste; abundant fuel; and reliable power that complements renewables, rather than competing with them. 

That combination makes fusion strategically important. But today, the case for action is industrial, not just an energy‑based argument.  

Fusion power is some years away – but the real prizes are already emerging 

Large, complex systems have always taken time to mature. The mistake is thinking that nothing of value happens until we reach the final destination. The real prize is industrial leadership. 

To build a fusion power plant, you must solve some of the hardest engineering challenges on Earth. Components operate at extreme limits. Robotics must work reliably in extreme environments where humans cannot. Heat, radiation, materials, and safety must be managed simultaneously. Thousands of highly complex systems must be designed and integrated into a single, coherent machine.

These challenges are not abstract. When they are solved, they create enduring capability, the kind that underpins national resilience, economic strength, and global influence. 

This is the context in which Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) – the UK’s prototype fusion power plant should be understood. STEP Fusion is the UK’s decision to move from theoretical ambition to practical delivery. It is a commitment to design and build a full prototype fusion power plant, with a real site, a defined timeline, and clear accountability. 

That commitment changes behaviour early. Supply chains begin to form. Companies invest with confidence. Skills are developed in anticipation of real demand. Standards and ways of working emerge. All of this happens well before a single unit of electricity is produced, because industry responds to seriousness of intent, not distant aspiration. 

Fusion is the mission, but the journey is where value is created 

Through STEP Fusion, the UK is deliberately strengthening capability in advanced manufacturing, robotics and remote operations, high-performance materials, and power systems integration. These capabilities matter far beyond fusion itself. They reinforce defence, infrastructure, space, and future energy systems, and they create expertise that can be exported globally. 

This is why STEP Fusion is best understood as industrial strategy in action, not a science experiment. 

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) exists to deliver that strategy 

UKIFS is not a research organisation, it is a delivery organisation.  Its role is to act as a serious, accountable client that translates ambition into reality; setting clear requirements, contracting with industry, integrating complex systems, and being responsible for delivery.  This is how countries build major industrial capabilities by committing to build and then organising themselves to do so effectively. 

The UK already leads the world in fusion science. STEP Fusion is how that leadership translates into jobs, skills, long-term growth, energy security, and industrial influence. It reflects a broader choice – to build hard things again, deliberately and at scale, rather than waiting for certainty to arrive on its own. 

You do not need to understand plasma physics to understand STEP Fusion. At its core, this programme is about using fusion as the engine to build the industries of the future – creating value now, and power later. 

This article is the first in a UKIFS thought leadership series exploring how fusion, delivery discipline, and industrial capability intersect – and why that intersection matters for the UK’s future. 

Engineers building the UK’s future fusion power plant have successfully tested a key new technology that could make fusion energy cheaper and easier to run. 

STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) Fusion is developing a prototype fusion plant at West Burton in Nottinghamshire, with the ambition of generating electricity for the grid in the 2040s. 

Fusion power relies on extremely powerful magnets to hold super-hot fuel (gas) in place long enough for fusion to occur. For fusion to become a commercially viable energy source, magnets must not only perform at the highest levels but also be maintainable over decades of operation. 

Traditionally, fusion magnets are built as solid, permanent structures, which makes repairs slow, complex and expensive. 

STEP engineers are taking a different approach by developing magnets with remountable joints (RMJs) – precision connections that allow sections of a magnet to be taken apart and reassembled for maintenance, much like industrial‑scale plug‑and‑socket connectors. 

This allows faster maintenance schedules, shorter shutdowns and lower costs over the lifetime of the power plant, demonstrating the future commercial viability of fusion. 

New design and UK innovation 

The STEP magnets team has developed and tested a new RMJ design, alongside a novel mechanical clamping system that holds joints together under the extreme forces generated during operation. 

The system uses a bladder-based clamp: a sealed bladder containing a liquid that expands as it freezes during cool-down, helping to apply an even contact pressure across the electrical interface at cryogenic temperatures. 

The clamping system is now being prepared for patenting, with a view to adoption in future fusion power‑plant designs beyond STEP. 

Manufacturing studies have also shown that the joints can be produced using several different industrial techniques, helping to de‑risk future large‑scale production and supply‑chain development in the UK. 

Further testing is under way in the UK to examine how multiple joints perform together in realistic, fusion‑specific magnetic environments, bringing the technology closer to deployment in a full power‑plant setting. 

Why it matters 

Remountable magnet technology could transform how fusion power stations are designed, built and operated by: 

• Enabling faster, more targeted maintenance 

• Reducing plant downtime and improving availability 

• Lowering operating and lifetime costs 

• Supporting compact, high‑performance magnet systems suitable for commercial power plants 

Aurobindo Siddarth Swaminathan, Principal Engineer for magnets at STEP Fusion, said: 

“The ongoing realisation of STEP’s RMJ technology is a multi-million-pound project. But what’s notable is we’ve gone from a concept sketch to delivering and shipping a product for testing in one financial year. 

“This has only been possible through successful collaboration with industry partners, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) as fusion partner, and UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) – bringing their combined expertise to the STEP programme.” 

By proving that magnets can be both powerful and maintainable, STEP is tackling one of the key barriers to turning fusion from an experiment into a reliable source of clean energy – and strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader in fusion engineering. 

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions launches first public consultation for the STEP Fusion prototype powerplant at West Burton.

Communities across North Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire are being invited to help shape the early planning stage of the UK’s ground-breaking STEP Fusion prototype powerplant.

From 14 January, UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) will begin a localised public consultation, giving people the chance to learn about the emerging proposals and share their views. Events will take place in community venues within roughly 10 kilometres of the West Burton site, with additional activity in Bawtry to support wider transport discussions.

This early, informal consultation marks a significant moment for the STEP Fusion programme, which aims to deliver a first-of-its-kind fusion powerplant at the former West Burton A site, chosen for its strong infrastructure, long energy-generation history and well-established grid connections. Further formal stages of consultation will follow.

Paul Methven, CEO of UKIFS and Responsible Officer for STEP Fusion, said:

“This is a major milestone for STEP Fusion and for the communities who have supported us from day one. Local people in and around West Burton, Retford and Gainsborough have played a crucial role in bringing the Programme to the region. Over the past two years we’ve held extensive outreach events and listened closely to the community’s ambitions and concerns. This first formal consultation is your opportunity to help shape the proposals as they develop.”

Visitors to the consultation events and online portal will be able to explore early plans for the site including the potential layout of the fusion facility, transport strategies covering road, rail and river options, and the long-term economic benefits for the region.

The vision also includes a public transport interchange, river-handling facilities and areas for science-park-style innovation space that could support broader research and development activity in the future.

Paul Methven added:

“We are committed to designing a facility that fits sensitively with its surroundings. Our early plans protect green space, encourage biodiversity and make the most of opportunities for public and active travel. We value the area’s heritage and are working closely with organisations such as Historic England.”

Consultation runs from 14 January to 11 March 2026, our online portal will close at 11.59pm on the final day.

Residents, businesses, and community groups can provide feedback online, at an event, or by post.

How to take part:
Online: www.stepfusion.com/consultation
Email: [email protected]
Post: FREEPOST STEP FUSION (no postage or further address needed)

Events:
Our in-person events give the opportunity for the community to meet the team and ask questions. Dates, times and venues are listed at www.stepfusion.com/consultation and here in summary for you:

Wednesday 14 January
10am to 3pm at Sturton Hall and Conference Centre

Thursday 15 January
3pm to 8pm at Roses Sports ground, Gainsborough

Friday 16 January
10am to 3pm at North and South Wheatley Village Hall

Saturday 17 January
11am to 4pm Bawtry Town Hall

Tuesday 20 January
11.30am to 4.30pm at Lea Village Hall

Wednesday 21 January
3pm pm to 8pm at South Leverton Memorial Institute

Thursday 22 January
3pm to 8pm at Hallcroft Community Hall, Retford

Wednesday 28 January
10am to 3pm at Misterton Methodist Hall

Thursday 29 January
10am to 3pm Sturton by Stow Village Hall, Lincoln

Friday 30 January
3pm to 8pm Gringley on the Hill Community Centre

Saturday 31 January
10am to 3pm Clarborough Village Hall

Monday  2 February
10am to 3pm at Laneham Memorial Hall

Tuesday 17 February
3pm to 8pm at Sturton Hall and Conference Centre

Copies of the documents can also be accessed at a range of public locations:
Bassetlaw District Council Offices at Queen’s Buildings, Worksop and The Square, Retford.
West Lindsey District Council Offices, Guildhall, Gainsborough

Notes to Editors:
– STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) aims to demonstrate net energy from fusion and lay the foundations for future commercial fusion plants.
– West Burton A is currently being demolished; the site’s energy-generation legacy and strong infrastructure links underpinned its selection.
– UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).

For further comments or interview requests please contact [email protected]

We’re proud to share that UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS), the organisation leading delivery of the UK Government’s STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, has published its first Annual Report and Accounts. This marks a year of major milestones and sets out how operations we will be scaled up to deliver the world’s first prototype fusion power plant at West Burton, Nottinghamshire.

The organisation was formed in November 2024 and we’re driving forward the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in clean energy through fusion; a safe, low-carbon and virtually limitless energy source.

The STEP programme will demonstrate net energy from fusion and create a new industrial sector, delivering thousands of high-quality jobs and long-term economic benefits. But our ambition for success started locally more than three years ago when West Burton was selected as the host location for STEP Fusion.

We’ve established UKIFS as the dedicated organisation to deliver STEP Fusion. We’ve completed the design concept phase and secured Government backing has been secured for the next phase of the programme taking us from design concept to whole plant delivery.

The year has been packed with innovation and key breakthrough moments including:

• Technology breakthroughs, including validation of the Super-X Divertor on MAST-U (this is the exhaust system, unique to our tokamak prototype), fusion grade steel and our pioneering work in magnets and plasma confinement.
• Digital design integration through a new Product Lifecycle Management system.
• West Burton site progress: geotechnical studies, biodiversity strategy, and master planning.
• Supply chain engagement: over 500 suppliers involved, 83% UK-based.
• Regional impact: STEP positioned as the anchor project for the Trent Clean Energy Supercluster.

We’ve now entered Tranche 2a, the next four-year phase of the STEP programme. This is where the real scale-up begins. Our ambition is clear: to embed major industry partners into the programme, mature the whole plant design, demonstrate critical technologies, and prepare for planning consent at West Burton.

This tranche brings new challenges. We need to integrate public and private sector expertise into a single delivery team, manage complexity at pace, and maintain confidence in design and technology as we move from concept to engineering. We’re also focused on building the supply chain and securing the skills needed for this pioneering project. It’s a bold step, but it’s essential to keep the UK at the forefront of global fusion development.

Delivering STEP is about more than building a prototype plant – it’s about creating a platform for economic growth. We know this can only happen through strong partnerships across the three Combined Authority regions of East Midlands, Greater Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire. Together, we can unlock the skills, infrastructure and investment needed to make fusion a reality.

STEP is the anchor project in the Trent Clean Energy Supercluster, a vision that harnesses the potential of former coal sites along the River Trent to create a hub for clean energy innovation. By leading this transformation at West Burton, we’re not only delivering fusion – we’re helping to power a new era of opportunity for communities and industry across the region, and ensuring the UK is the global leader in fusion.

Professor David Gann CBE, Chair of UKIFS, said:

“I’m inspired by what we’ve achieved together in such a short time. UKIFS has a truly transformational purpose: to lead and integrate the capability and know-how to deliver the commercial fusion energy plants of the future. Building on a fantastic first year, we now accelerate into the next tranche of the STEP programme, shifting gears as we integrate industry partners. The road ahead is steep, but I’m excited by what lies ahead.”

Paul Methven CB, Chief Executive Officer of UKIFS, said:

“Launching UKIFS was a pivotal moment for the STEP programme and for the UK’s clean energy future. We’ve moved from concept to delivery, establishing the foundations for success and securing approval for the next four years of work.

“Now we scale up, tackle and solve big challenges head-on. Integrating industry partners, maturing complex designs, and demonstrating critical technologies at pace will test us, but it’s exactly what’s needed to prove fusion’s potential and create a pathway to commercial viability.”

STEP Fusion’s potential to power up three regions came into the spotlight at this year’s Great Northern Conference, a celebration of regional economic potential.

The event at Doncaster Racecourse attracted an audience of 250 business people and political leaders, who heard how STEP Fusion’s decision to build a prototype power plant at West Burton could spur growth in South Yorkshire, the East Midlands and Lincolnshire.

STEP Fusion is being supported by a £2.5 billion Government investment in fusion energy, which harnesses the same process that powers the sun and the stars to create a new kind of almost limitless clean energy.

Speaking during a panel discussion about innovation, STEP Fusion’s Head of Communications and Engagement, Ben Bradley, said:

“STEP will commercialise fusion energy, developing the blueprint for commercial fusion power plants, and building an industry in the region that will lead the world in this critical, new technology.

“This is a region that has a unique heritage of industrial innovation in energy, and when we combined that with devolved investment in skills and infrastructure it opens up the opportunity to develop a globally significant cluster that benefits local communities, three regions and the UK as a whole.”

He added:

“STEP is going to become a multi-trillion industry. We’re already active at our Rotherham Fusion Technology Facility, which is developing and testing key components and the programme to develop the West Burton site will start in earnest early next year when we appoint our construction partner and begin to build our supply chain.”

The STEP Fusion development is on a similar scale to the Sizewell C and Hinkley Point C energy generation programmes and will be one of the UK’s biggest major projects.

Its size means that the jobs and business opportunities it offers will bring benefits to the three regions of South Yorkshire, Greater Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. It will generate 3,000 jobs during construction and 6,500 full-time jobs once fully operational.

STEP Fusion’s West Burton site is one of three disused coal-fired power stations that are being brough back to life as part of an energy Supercluster. The others are Cottam and High Marnham, and together they bring the chance to reignite the energy industry in an area that once powered the nation.

The Great Northern Conference was organised by the Yorkshire Post. Editor James Mitchinson, who has long campaigned for regional investment under the ‘Power Up the North’ banner, said:

“I guess a great many people don’t really know or care where the power that illuminates their home comes from, or how it is generated, but you cannot fail to get excited about fusion. It’s the stuff of Harry Potter movies: scientific and technological wizardry that has the potential to change everything, everywhere.

“The skilled, permanent, well-paid jobs and future careers it brings, too, means I’m looking forward to seeing how those leading this space make progress.”

Paul Methven CEO of STEP Fusion said:

“The STEP Fusion endeavour is bold and considered. We are committed to working with partners such as Historic England to ensure that the story of West Burton continues and that the past is respected and protected. We believe that innovation and conservation can work hand in hand on our site.”

Claudia Kenyatta, Co-CEO of Historic England added:

“We’re delighted to be working with STEP Fusion to help shape a future for West Burton and support our shared heritage whilst moving forward to an exciting new era for the site.
This MoU demonstrates our shared commitment to the distinctive historic environment and the long history of energy production in North Nottinghamshire.”

The MoU will guide ongoing collaboration between STEP Fusion and Historic England including considerations at the early planning stages as the programme progresses towards construction in 2030.

For more information on our STEP journey see www.stepfusion.com

Notes to Editors

The first of its kind, STEP Fusion is the UK’s major technology and infrastructure programme to build a prototype fusion power plant that will demonstrate net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance.  This will pave the way for the potential development of a fleet of future fusion power plants around the world and the commercialisation of fusion energy.

We’ll achieve this by producing a prototype tokamak power plant – in an innovative spherical shape – that will demonstrate net energy. That’s why the programme is called STEP: it stands for ‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’.  But STEP Fusion is about more than tokamak technology – it’s a huge endeavour encompassing design, site development and construction, alongside supply chain logistics and industry. Fusion research and development has the potential to catalyse new ideas and technologies that will benefit multiple industries and help secure our future on this planet.

By fusing government and business, inspiration and pragmatism, theory and practice, UK-expertise and international impact, we’re going to realise the step-change that will secure humanity’s bright future. A recent report by AMION, commissioned by local authorities, set out the economic potential of the STEP programme.

Read the AMION report (PDF)

To sign-up for updates about STEP Fusion, visit: www.stepfusion.com or follow our social channels @STEPtoFusion.

For interview requests, images or further comment please email us: [email protected]

Historic England

We are Historic England, the public body that protects and brings life to the heritage that matters to us all, so it lives on and is loved for longer. From the extraordinary to the everyday, our historic places and spaces matter. From community centres to cathedrals, homes to high streets, markets to mills – there are special places we all choose to hold onto, the legacy we want to pass on and the stories we continue to tell. That’s why we work together with people across England to discover, protect and bring new life to our shared historic environment, providing advice, knowledge, support and services. Follow us on social media @HistoricEngland.  

Contact

For media enquiries, interviews, or further information:

Email: [email protected]

The afternoon brought together local stakeholders, community members, and the STEP Board for an open exhibition, presentations, and informal discussions about the programme’s plans for West Burton. Visitors explored interactive displays, met members of the STEP team, and learned more about how fusion energy could transform the UK’s energy future.

Highlights included Q&A sessions, outreach activities such as robotic demonstrations from our much loved four-legged friends Tok and Mak, and of course, birthday cake.

The Fusion Energy Café was launched in 2024, funded by the UK Atomic Energy Authority and is part of STEP’s commitment to transparent engagement and education ahead of the formal planning process for the West Burton site. It provides a welcoming space for the public to discover what fusion is, why it matters, and how the STEP programme is progressing.

Paul Methven, CEO of STEP Fusion, said:

“The Fusion Energy Café has become a focal point for conversation and curiosity about fusion. Today’s event was about celebrating that success and continuing to build trust and understanding with the local community. STEP Fusion is not just about technology, it’s about people, and we’re proud to share this journey with Bassetlaw and beyond.”

Dave Armiger, Chief Executive of Bassetlaw District Council, added:

“We’re delighted to host STEP and the wider community here in Worksop. The café has been a fantastic addition to the town, helping people learn about an exciting project that will bring jobs, skills, and investment to our area. Today’s event shows how collaboration can make a real difference.”

This was the final community event for 2025 and very much part of STEP Fusion’s ongoing commitment to openness and dialogue. It was also an opportunity to formally announce the Development Consent Order (DCO) process which will begin in January 2026.

A DCO is a single, streamlined planning consent for large infrastructure projects such as STEP Fusion. It combines permissions and grants powers to construct and operate the project lawfully. For STEP Fusion, the DCO will cover the prototype power plant and associated infrastructure developments across road, rail and river networks.

Non-statutory (informal) consultation will start in the local community in January and run for 8 weeks. The process involves a series of exhibitions across the area, we plan to visit Sturton-le-Steeple, North and South Wheatley, Bawtry, Lea,  South Leverton Misterton, Sturton by Stow, Gringley on the Hill, Clarborough and Retford areas.  

For more information about the Fusion Energy Café and upcoming events, visit their website

For more information on STEP Fusion visit www.stepfusion.com or follow @STEPtoFusion on social media.