The UK government’s Industrial Strategy puts the STEP programme at the heart of driving innovation, economic growth and energy security.
The STEP programme is the UK’s flagship fusion programme, aiming to deliver a prototype fusion power plant by 2040 at West Burton, Nottinghamshire.
It will receive £2.5 billion over 5 years to lead the global race for fusion energy, creating thousands of jobs, as well as acting as an anchor for a new industrial ecosystem in the region.
STEP: A case study for fusion energy
The Industrial Strategy features the STEP programme as a case study for fusion energy development, alongside further workstreams in the sector, such as the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s (UKAEA) Fusion Futures careers programme.
The recent announcements serve to highlight the government’s support for the sector and confidence in the STEP programme’s progress to date.
UKIFS CEO Paul Methven reflected on the Industrial Strategy announcement, saying: “The UK is at the forefront of global fusion energy research, and STEP is the flagship initiative poised to transform that leadership into commercial reality.
“By building our prototype fusion power plant in the East Midlands, we’re not only advancing clean energy but also creating high-quality jobs, driving innovation, and delivering economic growth both regionally and nationally.”
He added: “Maintaining our global edge in such a transformative technology demands ambition, and today’s Industrial Strategy publication, with STEP at its heart, shows that government is rising to that challenge.”
Fusion’s importance in building clean technologies
Other recent UK fusion energy milestones include a UKAEA–ENI fusion energy fuels partnership announced in March, working to build the world’s largest tritium fuel cycle facility in the UK, and a £100 million investment boost via the Starmaker One fund from central government.
Fusion energy is already delivering spillover benefits in AI, robotics, and advanced materials, securing the UK’s place at the forefront of clean technology.
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Ed Miliband visited UK’s Fusion Research Campus in Oxfordshire earlier this year, where he said: “After scientists first theorised over 70 years ago that it could be possible, we are now within grasping distance of unlocking the power of the sun and providing families with secure, clean, unlimited energy.”
In the introduction to the Industrial Strategy, he lists fusion as a key part of the government’s mission: “By delivering fusion in the East Midlands with the STEP programme, we will deliver the benefits of our clean energy superpower mission to communities up and down the country.”
The project offers exciting innovation opportunities and a chance to shape the future of clean energy. STEP is currently in dialogue with potential Construction and Engineering partners, with announcements expected this coming winter 2025/26.
