On Monday 20th April, the Fusion Energy APPG hosted a parliamentary briefing session on the Government’s newly published Fusion Strategy, where we were joined by Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear.
Chaired by Lord Ravensdale, the session brought together Parliamentarians and industry representatives to explore how the Strategy sets out a clear pathway from the UK’s world‑leading fusion research base towards commercial deployment. Lord Vallance and David Sandford (Deputy Director for Fusion Energy, DESNZ) outlined the Government’s ambition for the UK to remain at the forefront of global fusion development, emphasising the importance of sustained investment, long‑term policy certainty, and a strong delivery framework.
In his remarks and responses to questions, Lord Vallance highlighted the role of the forthcoming Fusion Investment Prospectus and the proposed market framework for fusion electricity, which would make the UK the first country to introduce a dedicated market framework for fusion. These announcements will provide greater clarity and confidence for developers and investors as the sector matures.
Attendees also heard from Edward Lewis‑Smith (Head of Strategy, Governance and Executive Office, UKAEA), who spoke about UKAEA’s newly launched 2026–2030 fusion roadmap, setting out the national laboratory’s priorities through to 2030. These include supporting UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) to complete the detailed design of STEP Fusion, increasing the number of UK companies delivering fusion products and services globally, completing new internationally leading research facilities at Culham Campus, and growing the next generation of fusion scientists, engineers and technical specialists.
Following this, Paul Methven (CEO, UKFE) outlined UK Fusion Energy’s strategy, explaining how UKFE will act as the national fusion systems integrator to deliver STEP Fusion at West Burton. The strategy emphasises an industrial partnership model, bringing together ILIOS as Construction Partner, UKAEA as Fusion Partner, and Tokamak Energy as the first System Partner, alongside continued progress across critical fusion technologies. The strategy also positions STEP Fusion as a catalyst for regional growth through the Trent Clean Energy Supercluster, while opening long‑term opportunities for UK industry, supply chains and investors.
Taken together, the Government’s Fusion Strategy, alongside the strategies published by UKAEA and UKFE, points to a coherent national approach that seeks to unlock industrial growth, strengthen supply chains, and enhance the UK’s long‑term energy security.
