"If the UK wants to be a Global Science Super Power – we need to invest in fusion now"

Despite turmoil around the current government – we need to focus if we are going to reach our climate goals and lead the world as a Global Science Superpower, writes Prof Tom Scott, University of Bristol and Co-director of Nuclear South West.

"Recent events in government have threatened to throw many important decisions on ministers’ desks onto the back burner.

"We have often heard ambitions for the UK to be a Global Science Super Power to take on Net Zero ambitions and create growth.

"Whilst we have huge talent across our nation, one of the most exciting areas where we are genuinely world leading here is in creating the “ultimate low carbon energy source” – fusion energy.

"With projects gaining speed in China, America and Europe - the UK’s leadership on fusion energy is by no means certain. . We need decisions to be made urgently regarding its direction if we are to continue being net zero leaders on the world stage.

"Fusion is the power that drives our sun, forcing hydrogen ions together to produce almost unlimited energy.  Scientists have proven that we can successfully recreate this reaction on earth - the challenge now is making fusion commercially viable.

"The UK Atomic Energy Agency (UKAEA) is leading the development of the government’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme to achieve this. The proposed Severn Edge site, the bid for which is being led by the Western Gateway Partnership, is in the final five being considered by Government Ministers.

"In order to give fusion the best chance to deliver on its potential, I strongly believe we need to bring STEP to this site on the border of England and Wales, where it can access the scientific and engineering might of those two countries.

"Severn Edge is in a highly competitive area where people want to live, work, and invest in. With its proximity to the cities of Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester and Newport, and local vibrant advanced manufacturing, digital and innovation clusters, the area is leading the way nationally in many areas offering a wealth of talent to draw on.

"Having the best people will make all the difference.

"For example, the STEP reactor will operate at very high temperatures and accordingly will need substantial expertise in materials performance and plant operations at high temperatures. The world’s highest concentration of high temperature experts are located at EDF’s headquarters at Barnwood in Gloucestershire – on the doorstep of the Severn Edge site. These experts, with families and social roots in the region will not easily be moved to other locations.

"Critical to STEP’s success is access to highly technical supply chains who are able to move complicated materials and equipment at pace. The Severn Edge site will benefit from regional proximity to Hinkley Point C, which has for the first time in decades, driven the establishment and growth of a vibrant regional supply chain. STEP would benefit hugely from the unique expertise and capability of these existing supply chains.

"Severn Edge provides unparalleled access to the people and supply chains needed to take on this challenge. Building a flagship project like STEP at Severn Edge would be transformational for communities in our part of the UK, in both Wales and England, levelling up communities that have seen long periods of industrial decline by providing new jobs and skills opportunities.

"A long history of nuclear in the area, means we have strong support from across industry, academia, politicians and local communities to build STEP at Severn Edge. With unparalleled connections to the UK’s national fusion laboratory at Culham, the prominent Hinkley Point C supply chain and unrivalled transport links via road, rail, sea, and air – we are ready to turn this technology into a potential great British export.

"I call on the government to not let this issue fall off the agenda. Let’s choose the right place to pioneer this new technology for the benefit of the UK and give us the technological edge in the fight against climate change."