House of Commons · Westminster Hall
23 October 2024 · 2 other contributors · 3,382 words
Opened by Jo White Lab Bassetlaw
Responding minister: Michael Shanks
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Jo White raised concerns about fusion energy in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The Government should make fusion energy a priority by ensuring sufficient funding for the STEP programme, establishing a coherent training programme for fusion skills, and committing to infrastructure improvements such as railway stations and road enhancements. The Minister is asked to confirm the Government's intention to ensure UK industry leads globally on fusion.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The future site for the spherical tokamak for energy production in West Burton could provide new opportunities for green energy production and economic growth, building on Bassetlaw's coalmining heritage. Local infrastructure and public support are key factors in this project's success. However, there is a need to address skills gaps, job creation, and industry development to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of fusion technology.
Highlighted his role as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on fusion energy, emphasising the importance of visiting the Culham site which hosts a cluster of 200 businesses in the field.
Commended the hon. Lady for bringing forward the debate on fusion energy, noting that there are no power plants in Northern Ireland and highlighting the partnership between the UK and US to accelerate fusion energy.
Government Response
Michael ShanksIt is a pleasure to serve in this debate, and I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Bassetlaw (Jo White) for securing today's important debate on fusion energy. The UK has been at the forefront of fusion energy research and development for over four decades, with significant achievements such as the Joint European Torus reactor. Fusion creates nearly 4 million times more energy per kilogram of fuel compared to burning coal, oil or gas, offering substantial economic benefits including thousands of jobs and potential breakthroughs in medicine, supercomputing, and other green technologies. The Government aims to attract global private investment with a national policy statement for fusion facilities, estimating the market value between £3 trillion and £12 trillion by 2050-2100. The STEP programme will build the world's first civil fusion power plant in Ratcliffe-on-Soar, aiming for completion by 2040 to demonstrate viability. This project will support thousands of jobs directly and in supply chains while fostering skills development through partnerships with private industry and outreach programmes to schools and universities. Despite challenges ahead, the UK's four decades of research provide a strong foundation for future success.