Fusion Energy Private Sector Investment 2026-03-24
2026-03-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The race is on for large-scale production of fusion energy, with significant investments being made globally.
What steps he is taking to attract private sector investment for a fusion reactor. Last December, Donald Trump's media and technology group purchased a Californian-based fusion energy company, putting his son Donald Jr. on the board in a $6 billion deal. The race is on for fusion energy production at scale. Will the Minister join me in welcoming the appointment of ILIOS consortium, led by Kier and Nuvia, to construct a fusion power plant in north Nottinghamshire? I am sure he agrees that will mean jobs and new skills and training for my constituency and beyond.
I do indeed welcome the £200 million design and build contract for ILIOS with, as my hon. Friend mentioned, Kier and firms like Turner & Townsend who can be relied on to deliver. We have allocated £1.3 billion over the spending review period for fusion.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not confirm if the government will support ILIOS consortium specifically or address all aspects of private sector investment mentioned in the question.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The SNP is uncertain about whether fusion energy qualifies as nuclear energy, which may affect Scottish participation in UK-wide efforts to advance fusion technology.
Will the Minister join me in welcoming the appointment of ILIOS consortium, led by Kier and Nuvia, to construct a fusion power plant in north Nottinghamshire? I am sure he agrees that will mean jobs and new skills and training for my constituency and beyond. However, right now it would be difficult for constituents in Scotland to benefit because the SNP cannot decide whether fusion energy is nuclear energy.
I know that my hon. Friend's constituents will benefit, but right now it would be difficult for constituents in Scotland to benefit, because the SNP cannot decide whether fusion energy is nuclear energy. I can tell SNP Members that it is, and they should be supporting nuclear energy across the whole country.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Dounreay in Scotland has a skilled nuclear workforce and is licensed for future developments. The site could be advantageous for the UK's nuclear future.
The Treasury Bench would be particularly disappointed if I did not once again showcase what we have at Dounreay: a licensed site, a skilled workforce and a population who would greatly support playing a role in the development of fusion for the future. May I suggest that the Scottish Enterprise network might put its hand in its pocket to bring that forward, if that is helpful to His Majesty's Government?
I share the hon. Member's affection for Dounreay—I have family based in Reay and Thurso and have enjoyed many a holiday on the north coast of Scotland. As he said, it has a talented and experienced nuclear workforce, and I very much hope that they will play a part in Britain's nuclear future.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not address the specific suggestion about using Scottish Enterprise for facilitating fusion development at Dounreay.
Response accuracy