New consortium launched in bid to develop UK’s first commercial fusion power plant
A new Anglo-US consortium has been launched with the intention of developing the UK’s first commercial fusion power plant. Formed by Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy, and AECOM, the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium will develop a project that is commercially credible, deployable using existing enabling technologies, and capable of attracting private capital[i].
At its heart the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium combines Type One Energy’s 400MWe Infinity Two stellarator fusion power plant design with AECOM’s engineering capabilities and Tokamak Energy’s HTS magnet technology and manufacturing expertise within the UK. The Consortium is set to use this experience to develop a UK Infinity Two fusion power plant project.
Troy Rudd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AECOM has said:
“Fusion represents one of the most important long-term energy solutions, offering a clean, safe and reliable source of power for future generations.”[ii]
The Consortium says that it will build on the UK’s significant investment in magnetic confinement fusion technology, supply chain capabilities, regulation, and power plant siting for the government’s STEP Fusion programme. Further, it will harness the experience gained from the first-of-a-kind (FOAK) Infinity Two fusion power plant project at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) Bull Run site in the United States, which is targeted for commercial operation in 2034. The TVA Infinity Two project is being supported by the US government’s own fusion programmes and provides a strong technical and programmatic foundation for the UK Infinity Two deployment project.
Chris Mowry, Chief Executive Officer, Type One Energy, explained: “Fusion needs to be delivered, not just developed. This Consortium brings together the core industrial capabilities in the UK and US required to deploy real-world fusion power plant projects that are commercially viable. Our initiative is fully aligned with UK and US ambitions to be leaders in commercial fusion deployment.”[iii]
The announcement comes at a time of increasing bilateral cooperation on fusion between the US and UK. The Consortium partners are all members of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), a global CEO-led network founded by His Majesty King Charles III with the mandate to lead the private sector in accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy.
Lord Vallance, UK Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, commented: “This government is backing fusion with over £2.5 billion and recently announced a deal with the United States, which includes closer working on fusion research and development, taking us closer to a future powered by limitless clean energy. Our long-term vision and investment in the sector is now helping turn that ambition into reality.”[iv]
As Lord Vallance alludes, the Consortium’s launch follows a push by the US and UK governments to partner in the build-out of clean energy, including new nuclear power stations[v]. Last September, an agreement between the nations was signed during US President Donald Trump's state visit.
The aim is to make it quicker for companies to build new nuclear power stations in both countries; reducing the time it takes to licence a nuclear project from between three to four years, to just two. Promisingly, the deal also included a commitment to explore and develop fusion energy. This includes coordinated experimental programmes, where British and American expertise will combine with AI technology to develop advanced simulation tools, as well as the use of test facilities to fast-track progress towards commercial fusion power.
References
[i] UK Infinity Fusion Consortium Announced - Type One Energy
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Ibid
[iv] Ibid
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