Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Wednesday, 3 September 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 September 2025. It was answered by Michael Shanks (Labour) on Friday, 12 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Nuclear Fusion: West Burton

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with reference to the Modern Industrial Strategy, what recent progress he has made in delivering the STEP prototype fusion power station in West Burton.

Answer: The STEP prototype fusion powerplant will be delivered by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), itself sponsored by DESNZ and fully owned by the UK Government. STEP will be delivered in several phases. The first has been completed producing the powerplant concept design, site selection (West Burton) and identifying the appropriate regulatory framework. Site characterisation is ongoing, and a live tender is underway to select industrial partners to work on the plant with UKIFS, and Fusion R&D Partner UKAEA.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 74643
Session: 2024-26
Related items: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy
Monday, 23 June 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Nuclear power stations Nuclear fusion West Burton
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk