House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
STEP Programme Contingent Liability
21 July 2025 · Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
Proposed by Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Government is providing a new HMG contingent liability for the STEP fusion energy programme.
- This contingent liability covers incidents involving nuclear matter or ionising radiation from fusion activities.
- The liability will be reviewed if there is a material change in government policy on fusion.
Issue summary
This statement addresses a new contingent liability associated with the STEP fusion energy programme.
Action requested
The government is providing a new HMG contingent liability for liabilities resulting from incidents involving nuclear matter or emissions of ionising radiation arising from fusion activities related to the STEP programme, in response to the lack of market provision for such risks. The contingent liability will be reviewed if there is a material change in government policy on fusion and has been approved by the Treasury.
Key facts
- STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) aims to deliver a prototype fusion power plant by the 2040s.
- UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), will deliver the programme.
- The contingent liability is remote and uncapped, with a provision for review if there is a material change in government policy on fusion.