National Planning Policy Statement on Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun, and for decades humans have been working towards harnessing its remarkable, "clean" power. Now the UK Government has determined that the technology has advanced sufficiently to warrant introducing planning legislation that will facilitate the development of prototypes and demonstrator facilities. The Government has made an initial … Show more

Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the Sun, and for decades humans have been working towards harnessing its remarkable, "clean" power. Now the UK Government has determined that the technology has advanced sufficiently to warrant introducing planning legislation that will facilitate the development of prototypes and demonstrator facilities. The Government has made an initial consultation the need for a framework on how proposals for such facilities should be developed. There is a need for regulatory clarity, and that regulation must cover whichever fusion technology is being employed, for whichever output, thermal or electrical. On 8 June 2026 the Government put forward its proposal EN-8, a national policy planning statement for the generation of fusion energy. Consultation and scrutiny of EN-8 The National Policy Statement for Nuclear Energy Generation (EN-8) has been put forward to help guide planners as they seek to make decisions on siting new nuclear fusion infrastructure. Under the Planning Act 2008, a National Policy Statement (NPS) like EN-8 must undergo public consultation and parliamentary scrutiny before it can be formally designated. The full draft text of EN-8 is currently under consultation by the Government and the Committee is beginning the parliamentary scrutiny process, offering industry, experts, and the public the opportunity to comment as it examines the implications of the framework set out in EN-8. What is EN-8? EN-8 is intended to become the principal guide for decisions on nuclear fusion power stations in England and Wales. Nuclear fission infrastructure is regulated under EN-7, supporting development of nuclear technologies like Small Modular Reactors and Advanced Modular Reactors and traditional gigawatt-scale plants. The significant difference in technology means that the Government intends for nuclear fusion to be managed entirely separately from nuclear fission. The aim is to create clarity, allowing interested investors and developers to have more confidence in bringing forward projects that will result in fusion energy contributing to the grid by 2040. The draft EN-8 focuses on environmental, safety & security, operational and developmental themes with detailed requirements for developers and the Planning Inspectorate in these areas. The Government has indicated that the Committee process must be complete by 30 November. Show less