A new reception building has officially opened at the West Burton site in Nottinghamshire, where the UK’s prototype fusion power plant is planned.
Lord Ravensdale opened the building during a visit on Monday 9 November, when he was updated on the progress of the STEP Fusion programme and its potential to create skilled jobs, attract investment and provide opportunities for businesses in the East Midlands.
The building will serve as a reception point for visitors, partners and other organisations involved in the development of the former power station site.
The visit formed part of a wider tour of major energy and infrastructure projects across the region, including GeoPura at High Marnham and EDF’s proposals for the former Cottam Power Station.
Representatives from industry, local government and regional development organisations attended discussions about how the projects could support economic development through shared infrastructure, skills and investment.
The developments form part of the emerging Trent Supercluster, which brings together proposals involving fusion energy, hydrogen production, small modular nuclear reactors, electricity infrastructure and data centres.
West Burton was selected as the location for the UK’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme, which aims to demonstrate the potential for fusion energy to generate electricity.
The programme is intended to support the development of fusion technology while creating opportunities for engineering, manufacturing and other specialist businesses.
Following the visit, Lord Ravensdale said: “Absolutely brilliant to visit the Supercluster sites today. Such an incredible vision for the future, integrating different technologies and bringing jobs and skills to the region.”
Ryan Ramsey, Director of Organisational Performance and Executive Lead for West Burton, said the visit had provided an opportunity to demonstrate progress at the site and discuss cooperation between the region’s major developments.
He said: “It was fantastic to welcome Lord Ravensdale to West Burton and showcase the progress being made across the site.
“What was particularly encouraging throughout the day was the recognition that projects across the region are not competing with one another. By working together, sharing infrastructure, developing skills and attracting investment, we have an opportunity to create something far greater than any one project could achieve alone.
“There is real momentum building across the East Midlands, and it was encouraging to hear Lord Ravensdale recognise the positive energy, ambition and collaboration that is emerging across the region.”
Discussions during the visit also considered how the projects could coordinate skills development, innovation and investment across the wider Trent Valley area.
The opening of the reception building marks a further stage in the redevelopment of West Burton, although the proposed fusion power plant itself remains a long-term project.
The STEP programme is working towards demonstrating electricity generation from fusion in the 2040s, with further development, engineering and construction work required before the proposed plant can become operational.
