The Government has today announced a £410 million investment to develop cutting-edge fusion energy, which promises to be a safe, low carbon and sustainable part of the world’s energy supply with potential to help sustain net zero in the future.
The prototype fusion energy plant is set at the site of a former coal power plant, West Burton, here in Bassetlaw, and will revitalise a UK industrial heartland, supporting new, skilled jobs in former coal communities.
This new funding money will help the development of the skills needed for scientists, engineers, welders and programme managers to enter the industry, which will all help deliver on the mission for UK to become a clean energy superpower.
Bassetlaw’s rich history has been shaped by energy production. From the seven pits producing coal to the power stations lined up alongside the River Trent, our area has always been at the heart of power production for over hundred years and the announcement in 2022 that this history will continued with fusion energy production was widely welcomed.
Today’s announcement by the Energy Secretary of a new £410m fusion energy fund to rapidly develop the technology and progress the site at West Burton in Bassetlaw. This is a game changer for our area, unlocking thousands of new, high-skilled jobs on our doorstep. Bassetlaw is leading the world on Fusion energy and Government is right behind this.
I want to see our young people find routes into fusion, through the supply chains, the development of new technologies and the construction of the site. This is our best chance to change life outcomes for future generations in Bassetlaw, and I want local businesses to have the opportunities to shift their production techniques so that they become the key players as new supply chains are established.
I am fighting to make sure that everyone in Bassetlaw feels the full benefit from the STEP fusion energy project, including road and rail infrastructure improvements that will come as we unlock the full potential of our area. Today’s announcement is a welcome step to delivering the jobs, growth and future energy that we need.
