General Fusion will build and operate a nuclear fusion demonstration plant at the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) campus at Culham Science Centre.

General Fusion expects to benefit from the cluster of fusion supply chain in the UK, centred on UKAEA’s presence in the field. UKAEA wants to transform Culham into a leading location for developing fusion energy and to become an important part of the UK as a ‘fusion cluster’.

The announcement was made by Science Minister Amanda Solloway.

She said: “This new plant by General Fusion is a huge boost for our plans to develop a fusion industry in the UK, and I’m thrilled that Culham will be home to such a cutting-edge and potentially transformative project.

“Fusion energy has great potential as a source of limitless, low-carbon energy, and today’s announcement is a clear vote of confidence in the region and the UK’s status as a global science superpower.”

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2022, with operations beginning around three years later.

Christofer Mowry, chief executive of General Fusion, said: “Coming to Culham gives us the opportunity to benefit from UKAEA’s expertise.

“By locating at this campus, General Fusion expands our market presence beyond North America into Europe, broadening our global network of government, institutional, and industrial partners.

“This is incredibly exciting news for not only General Fusion, but also the global effort to develop practical fusion energy.”

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