Fusion Power Plants 2024-11-12
2024-11-12
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows a Budget announcement about building the first fusion power plant in Bassetlaw. The MP is seeking detailed information on this commitment and funding support.
Two weeks ago, the Budget announcement that the first fusion power plant will be built in Bassetlaw was welcome news. Can the Minister provide greater detail on this commitment, alongside the funding support being made available for the next financial year?
My hon. Friend is a great champion for her constituency, and I was pleased to meet her to talk about this issue and to hear her Westminster Hall debate. I look forward to visiting her constituency later this month to see the fusion café and to visit West Burton, the site of the STEP project, after which I hope to be able to share more detail on how we will support fusion.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific funding details or concrete commitments for Bassetlaw's fusion power plant.
I Look Forward To Visiting Her Constituency Later This Month
After Which I Hope To Be Able To Share More Detail On How We Will Support Fusion
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Dounreay was the site of the UK's first fission reactor. The MP is interested in involving this historic site in future fusion projects.
Will the Government seriously consider involving Dounreay as we bring fusion to its wonderful fruition?
I think fusion has huge potential, and so many companies stand to benefit. It is not just about the ultimate goal of fusion energy; it is also about all the technological advances we will discover. I have spoken to fusion companies which are, for example, finding uses for cancer treatment. I am very interested to hear what the hon. Gentleman has to say about the possibilities of fusion in his constituency. We want to see this proceed.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address the specific request about Dounreay involvement.
I Am Very Interested To Hear What The Hon. Gentleman Has To Say About The Possibilities Of Fusion In His Constituency
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Conservative party is proud of its record in government, including launching the Fusion Futures programme to provide up to £55 million of funding for training.
We have spoken a lot about the Conservative party's record in government. Will the Minister confirm that it is still the Government's intention, as it was ours, to have fusion power on the grid by 2040?
As I mentioned, I am very much looking forward to visiting West Burton soon. The Budget announced significant support for fusion energy in 2025-26 and, yes, we remain as ambitious as the previous Government for the potential of fusion energy.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm the specific ambition date of 2040.
Yes, We Remain As Ambitious As The Previous Government For The Potential Of Fusion Energy
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP inquired about the final investment decision on Sizewell C, a nuclear power station project.
Having confirmed that 2040 is still the ambition, which does the Minister think will come first: fusion on the grid or the final investment decision on Sizewell C?
The final investment decision on Sizewell C, as I understand it, is expected soon. We will hear more about support for that in the next spending review. Fusion energy has huge potential, not just in the long term but from the innovation we are already seeing in that sphere.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not specify which would come first: final investment decision on Sizewell C or fusion power on the grid.
Fusion Energy Has Huge Potential, Not Just In The Long Term But From The Innovation We Are Already Seeing In That Sphere
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is interested in the support and funding for developing fusion power plants connected to the grid.
Whether he plans to support the development of fusion power plants connected to the grid.
We agree that fusion could be a globally transformative green energy solution. The UK Government's fusion programme continues to lead the world in the development of fusion energy, and our ambition is to continue to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific plans or commitments for supporting fusion power plants connected to the grid.
Our Ambition Is To Continue To Do So
Response accuracy