The Fusion Energy APPG hosted a briefing session on Monday 9th September 2024, which explored the UK’s current lead in fusion energy, the benefits that the new technology can bring to the UK economy and what steps must be taken by policymakers to support the evolving industry.
Speakers included:
- James Naish MP (Chair)
- Valerie Jamieson (Development Manager at The Fusion Cluster, the Secretariat for the Group)
- Professor Sir Ian Chapman (Chief Executive at the UK Atomic Energy Authority)
- Tristram Denton (UK Director at the Fusion Industry Association)
Valerie introduced the session and provided an overview of the value of fusion as a low-carbon, self-sustaining energy source. Sir Ian spoke about the short-term benefits of the technology and suggested that the UK is currently a leader in fusion, particularly having played host to JET, the largest and most successful fusion experiment in the world. Tristram talked about the importance of alignment between industry and policymakers if the UK is to be able to convert this leadership into significant economic benefit.
The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A, in which attendees asked about barriers facing the industry, including a lack of global investment and geopolitical challenges, inertial fusion, battery storage and grid capacity.