This conference will look at priorities for developing the fusion industry in the UK. 

It will be a timely opportunity to assess next steps for scaling up, commercialising, and regulating the UK fusion sector against the backdrop of:

• the Government’s aim of a regulatory regime that will support rapid development
• government plans for fusion following its consultation on the Towards fusion energy strategy
• the selection of the West Burton power station site in Nottinghamshire as the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant as part of the STEP programme

With industry making increasing technological advances across a range of technologies, discussion will bring together key stakeholders to consider the scientific and engineering challenges in delivering fusion energy at commercially viable levels of production.

Delegates will also examine what is needed to build a supply chain, establish a market, and grow the UK’s international positioning and longer-term export opportunities.

Overall, sessions in the agenda will look at:

• policy – discussing the fusion strategy and sector regulation – the STEP programme – assessing the role fusion energy can play in the UK’s energy mix – key opportunities and barriers
• regulation – creating the unique regulatory framework for fusion – what is needed to support development, commercialisation and export opportunities
• market development – enabling operation and maintenance at commercially viable levels – prospects for scaling up in time to meet 2040 timelines
• supply chain – assessing pathways to reducing costs, de-risking commercial investment and accelerating growth – developing the skills pipeline and growing the workforce
• collaboration – priorities and structures for domestic and international joint working between science, R&D, industry, investors and policy
• investment – strategic options for attracting investment – establishing a market – competitive positioning alongside existing forms of dispatchable power
• long-term – scaling up technologies, driving innovation and utilising novel technologies – meeting infrastructure demands

We are pleased to be able to include keynote contributions from Dr Adam Baker, Head of Fusion and Research Establishments Team, BEIS; and Professor Ian Chapman, Chief Executive, UK Atomic Energy Authority.