Britain has set out a strategy to lead the global race for commercial fusion energy, with the government describing it as a crucial step towards long‑term energy security, jobs and industrial growth.

The Fusion Strategy, launched by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero alongside the UK Atomic Energy Authority, aims to make the UK the first country in the world with a clear pathway to fusion power that could help end dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and underpin future energy infrastructure.

Under the strategy, the government is backing private investment with a market framework designed to de‑risk commercial fusion projects and incentivise companies to bring fusion technologies to market, providing confidence to investors and supporting long‑term infrastructure development.

A key element of the plan is the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion plant to be built at the former West Burton coal power station in Nottinghamshire. A £200 million construction partner contract has been awarded, with construction expected to start from 2030 and the plant due to be completed by 2040.

Dr Tim Bestwick, Group CEO of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), said the strategy reflects the UK’s ambition to be a “global leader in commercial fusion technology” and underlined the role of fusion in future energy systems.

Tristram Denton, UK director of the Fusion Industry Association, described the strategy as a boost for the sector, saying: “Commercial fusion power is scheduled to be online in the 2030s, and today’s commitment to establish a strong market framework is another step towards the UK being at the very heart of this generational industrial opportunity.”

The strategy builds on the government’s record £2.5 billion investment in fusion research and development and a £20 million cornerstone investment into the Starmaker One fusion investment fund, which the release says will support British innovation and attract global technology.

The government said the strategy is designed to support over 10,000 UK jobs by 2030, drive investment and give industry confidence to transition fusion from laboratory research to grid‑ready infrastructure.