A new in-depth report is expected to look at the full economic benefits of the British fusion powerstation prototype to be built in West Burton, near Retford.
The task, Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production, known as WWTP, is led through the UK’s Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).
Fusion provides an inherent, virtually limitless source of blank electrical energy by copying the processes that force the sun.
The ongoing partnership creates a strategic collaborative organisation chaired by Sir John Peace, Chairman of Midland Engine, consisting of the UKAEA, Nottinghamshire County Council, Bassetlaw District Council, Midlands Connect, The Energy Research Accelerator and the University of Nottingham.
The organization recently recommended that an economic impact assessment report be the first of three new reports. The other two will focus on strategic vision and a study of maritime infrastructure.
Working closely with the UKAEA, Midlands Engine and a number of local authorities, Nottinghamshire County Council will now lead the process of commissioning the report on behalf of all partners with the aim of ensuring the studies are as good as possible value for money.
Keith Girling, county council cabinet member for economic development and asset management, said:
“Fusion energy has the potential to deliver a near limitless supply of low-carbon energy across the globe for generations to come. Our county and region will be at the heart of this so will reap some of the incredible benefits.
“Early studies tell us that this allocation will create a huge expansion and investment, as well as thousands of professional jobs and lucrative opportunities for the locally sourced chain to build the plant.
“Since this is a world-class project, we want this in-depth report to reveal the full scope of those supply and long-term partners with a basis for monitoring those arrays
“This will provide us with information that will help us make the most of this exclusive allocation in terms of our long-term investment plans and environmental and economic policies. “
Paul Methven, chief executive of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd, responsible for the delivery of a WWTP within the UKAEA Group, said:
“STEP is a vital and exciting opportunity to lead and deliver a new solution for the climate, which will help keep Britain at the forefront of the commercial delivery of fusion.
“The development of our vision for the West Burton site to 2050 and the critical role that STEP has to play in levelling up is fundamental to the success of the programme.
“We are committed to supporting regional leaders to ensure the collective opportunities are realised to deliver that social and economic impact.”
UKAEA will fund half of the report, with the other half made up of contributions from the Nottinghamshire County Council, Bassetlaw District Council, Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council.
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