Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Fusion Power Plants

Tuesday 12 November 2024 · 5 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to visit Bassetlaw to discuss the STEP project and fusion energy advancements.
  • Government remains committed to having fusion power on the grid by 2040, as previously stated.
  • Fusion energy is seen as a globally transformative green energy solution with significant potential for innovation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Jo White Lab Bassetlaw
Science & Technology Energy
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific funding details or concrete commitments for Bassetlaw's fusion power plant.

How: 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

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Q2 Jo White Lab Bassetlaw
Science & Technology Energy
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.

Question

Will the Government seriously consider involving Dounreay as we bring fusion to its wonderful fruition?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

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.

Not addressed: Did not address the specific request about Dounreay involvement.

How: I Am Very Interested To Hear What The Hon. Gentleman Has To Say About The Possibilities Of Fusion In His Constituency

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Q3 Jamie Stone Lib Dem Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Climate Energy
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm the specific ambition date of 2040.

How: Yes, We Remain As Ambitious As The Previous Government For The Potential Of Fusion Energy

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Q4 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Energy
Context

The MP inquired about the final investment decision on Sizewell C, a nuclear power station project.

Question

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?

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify which would come first: final investment decision on Sizewell C or fusion power on the grid.

How: 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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Q5 Andrew Bowie Con West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Climate Energy
Context

The MP is interested in the support and funding for developing fusion power plants connected to the grid.

Question

Whether he plans to support the development of fusion power plants connected to the grid.

Answer from Kerry McCarthy

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific plans or commitments for supporting fusion power plants connected to the grid.

How: Our Ambition Is To Continue To Do So

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