UK Atomic Energy Authority has launched a new online tool for business and residents near West Burton to learn more about the vision for the site’s role in developing a prototype fusion power plant with the potential to create nearly four million times more energy for every kilogram of fuel than burning coal, oil or gas.
A team from UK Atomic Energy Authority hs developed the online tool alongside development of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production vision for the West Burton site near Gainsborough, where the prototype fusion powerplant will be built. It’s said that usion has the potential to become a near-limitless source of low carbon energy by copying the processes that power the sun and stars, where atoms are fused to release energy.
Fusion power creates
Nearby businesses and residents can see for the first time how UKAEA is approaching the layout of the site, which is underpinned by four key themes:
- the environment, innovation and climate change resilience
- health and wellbeing
- an inclusive economy
- identity/distinctiveness, taking into consideration culture and heritage.
The four themes are supported by eight ‘spatial principles’ which is a planning term for how the site will develop, including sustainable transport, ecology & environment, connecting with communities and clean growth & innovation.
Dr James Cowan, STEP Director Programme Development, said: “One of the most important parts of what STEP will do is to benefit the wider region, and to achieve that, we need to focus on developing the vision specifically for STEP at the West Burton site.
“Launching our visual online tool, also accessible in other formats, provides the local community and other stakeholders with an opportunity to help inform and shape how the West Burton site should take shape.
“STEP will only be a success with the continued support of the community that it will impact most, so please do provide us with your feedback. We want to hear from you!”
The energy transition can make a real difference to individuals as well as the global climate challenge and STEP aims to do that at West Burton, creating thousands of jobs during the construction phase in addition to employment opportunities for generations to come.
Fusion energy is based on the same process that powers the Sun and stars, and promises to be a safe, low carbon and sustainable part of the world’s future energy supply.
