15 sites in the frame to become home to the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has revealed the long list of sites under consideration for development of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.

An open call for sites to host the Spherical Tokomak for Energy Production (Step) facility was opened last year and compliance check of those nominated has led to publication of the long list.

According to the UKAEA, moving fusion from research and development to design and delivery is an important part of the UK’s ambition to be a world leader in sustainable, low-carbon energy. Fusion has the potential to provide an abundant source of low-carbon energy by copying the processes that power the sun and stars. UKAEA has said that this new technology will play an important role alongside established renewable technologies such as wind and solar.

Step programme director Paul Methven said: “STEP is about building on the amazing science done over decades in fusion and translating that into a real prototype power plant that paves the way for this fantastic new energy source.

“Selecting a site is critical for that transition to delivery and we are pleased to have received a number of high quality nominations. We are looking forward to getting to know the nominating communities as we progress through the assessment process over the next year.

“Wherever STEP is eventually built, it will bring significant benefits to the region, including employment, skills development and the development of a high-technology, low-carbon supply chain.”

The sites – listed in full below – will now undergo further technical assessment and the secretary of state for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is expected to make a final decision on the site in late 2022. UKAEA hopes that concept designs for the successful site will be completed in 2024 with a view to targeting first operation in the early 2040s.

The Step long list locations

Dounreay – Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership

East Airdrie – Fusion Forward (East Airdrie) Consortium

Poneil – Fusion Forward (Poniel) Consortium

Ardeer – Fusion Forward (Ardeer) Consortium

Chapelcross – South of Scotland Enterprise

Moorside – Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, in partnership with Copeland Borough Council

Bay Fusion (Heysham) – Bay Fusion (collaboration between industry, Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and Lancaster University)

Goole – East Riding of Yorkshire Council

West Burton – Nottinghamshire County Council

Ratcliffe on Soar – Nottinghamshire County Council

Milford Haven – Pembrokeshire County Council

Severn Edge (Oldbury/Berkeley) – Western Gateway

Aberthaw – Vale of Glamorgan Council

Bridgwater Bay – Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership

Bradwell – Belport

Source https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/15-sites-in-the-frame-to-become-home-to-the-uks-prototype-fusion-energy-plant-15-06-2021/

Department of Civil Engineering https://www.ibu.edu.ba/department-of-civil-engineering/