What is STEP?
STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is an ambitious programme by UK Government to design and construct a prototype fusion power plant in the United Kingdom by 2040.
This will be the first such power plant of its kind in the world, using a special type of compact "spherical" tokamak design developed by the United Kingdom experts at UKAEA. This will demonstrate the real world use of fusion power to create electricity, and will demonstrate the capability of the technology as key to combating climate change. It will also provide greater energy security to the UK and the rest of the world. Learn More about the STEP Technology >>>
Bay Fusion Nomination for STEP
The British economy has so far gained £1.4 billion from the Government’s direct investment in fusion energy over the past decade, and Bay Fusion was created to help bring the levelling up agenda to the north west of England - initially proposing Heysham as a potential site for STEP. It was announced on 11th June 2021 that Bay Fusion has progressed to the final 15 site longlist however ultimately UKAEA selected a site in Nottinghamshire for the STEP development. Whilst this was disappointing, the excitement and interest that STEP created across the north west of England demonstrated the value in continuing to promote the regions potential capabilities to support the future fusion industry.
Our news page has more information on recent developments in the STEP development programme.
What impact will STEP have ?
STEP will be a "mega project", and will be the most complex technological development ever undertaken.
The site would not just consist of the prototype fusion energy plant, but would be an ecosystem of fusion science and technology development at-scale. Cross sector supply chains, research and development, industrial operations and skilled personnel from across the UK will need to come together to make STEP a reality.
The scale of such a development will be significant and it is expected that tens of billions of pounds will be committed to the project, and we aim to ensure that the north west can help play a key role in supporting STEP activities.