The fourteenth meeting of the Fusion Industry Taskforce (FIT) opened with James Jopling, Head of Sector and Investment for Fusion at The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) sharing key updates on the UK Government’s substantial £2.5 billion investment in fusion development. This figure reflects a significant commitment from the present Government to the UK’s fusion sector, affirming its view of fusion as a strategic area for long-term economic growth, jobs and scientific innovation. The £2.5bn figure was interpreted as a significant boost for the planned STEP demonstration fusion reactor to be built in North Nottinghamshire by the Government.
Looking ahead, DESNZ presented plans to develop a Fusion Prospectus aimed at attracting international manufacturers, investors, and highly skilled professionals by showcasing the UK as a prominent global hub for fusion technology.
Expected later this month is the FIT Investment Policy paper, which will provide strategic guidance for future funding and investment in the UK fusion sector including recommendations from the Taskforce about models for funding and how to encourage development through targeted tax relief among other policies.
During the meeting, Professor Arunodaya Bhattacharya from the University of Birmingham emphasised the necessity for collaborative research practices to make the most of the available funding. He advocated for shared access to fusion facilities across the UK to avoid duplication of efforts so we can optimise the use of existing resources and funding.
For those organisations wishing to learn more about FIT and its work please contact Chair Dr Michael Zdanowski at: mzdanowski@assystem.com
