Source · Select Committees · Science, Innovation and Technology Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 145
Long-standing commitment to fusion essential due to recent optimism and strategic benefits.
Conclusion
We believe that it is not the time to abandon our long-standing commitment to fusion, just at the point when it is giving cause for optimism; when the zero- carbon imperative is strong; when we have an internationally admired and well- run organisation in the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and when positive spill-over effects are being felt from the research.
Government Response Summary
The government responds to the committee's belief that commitment to fusion should not be abandoned by detailing significant past and future financial investments in UKAEA's fusion programmes, thereby indicating its continued long-standing commitment.
Paragraph Reference:
145
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Over 2021/22 to 2024/25, we are investing over £700 million to the UKAEA’s cutting edge research programmes and facilities to grow the capability of UK industry and make the UK the global hub for fusion innovation. Included in this is a £240m commitment towards the first phase of the STEP Programme - to develop and build, by 2040, a prototype fusion power plant capable of delivering energy to the UK grid. On top of the above allocation, in November 2022 we announced an additional £126 million to support UK R&D Programmes. In September, we announced that the UK has decided to pursue its own cutting-edge suite of new, alternative R&D programmes to support the UK’s flourishing fusion sector. To deliver this, the government plans to invest up to £650 million until 2027.