Thousands of jobs could be created in the wake of Bassetlaw District Council’s decision to approve the first stages of plans for a multi-billion-pound project transforming West Burton power station site to support the development of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.
It’s the STEP Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production – or STEP – programme, and it’s being ld by the UK Atomic Energy Authority
Bassetlaw District Council has approved plans for the first temporary building to be constructed on site, Coucnil leader James Naish said: “Delivering a prototype fusion energy plant at West Burton will bring massive investment to the area and is a game changer for our local economy.
“The granting of our first planning permission to the UKAEA and the first planning permission for new construction on the STEP site is a significant milestone for the Council. I look forward to more applications coming forward as the project continues to develop at West Burton over the next two decades.”
The temporary building will house project staff as they work on the plans to deliver a prototype fusion energy power station to prepare for future production of low carbon energy.
Fusion energy has great potential to deliver a safe and virtually limitless source of clean electricity, based on the same processes that power the sun.
James Cowan, Director of Programme Development for STEP as part of UKAEA Group said: “It’s going to be our first UKAEA base in North Nottinghamshire, and a location from which we can fulfil our vision of delivering a prototype fusion plant that moves us towards commercial viability.
“We are pleased to be working with Bassetlaw District Council on this programme of national significance. I hope this will be the first of many planning approvals in the future, helping us to collectively deliver social and economic benefits to the area.”
