Nuclear Fusion in the North West - Public Event
Date/Time: 27th June 2023 at 6pm
Location: The Whitworth Gallery, Oxford Road, Manchester, England, M15 6ER
Tickets: Register for FREE on Eventbrite
Event Synopsis
Whilst many think that nuclear fusion is always "30 years away", there have been a number of ground-breaking improvements recently that now mean fusion is closer than ever, with many expecting net positive power to be obtained from fusion in the 2030s.
Public and private investment in fusion technology around the world is skyrocketing, and many fusion start-ups are being created as confidence grows that we are at a pivotal point. In 2022, according to industry experts $500million was invested into the fusion industry and its supply chains, and this is expected to rise to $7billion as prototype fusion power plants such as STEP are developed . Bloomberg estimates the value of the industry to exceed $40trillion if it can generate just 1% of global energy demand, creating many jobs and economic prosperity on a global scale.
This event is hosted by Bay Fusion and includes speakers from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, regional Universities and private fusion companies. During our talk we will discuss the science of fusion, history of UK world leading research in this area in the north west, and including at regional Universities, the state of the global industry, and how the region can play its role in the development and industrialisation of fusion, including other sectors such as data science, AI, robotics, engineering and many more. There will also be a talk on careers and opportunities to develop industry ready skills at all levels.
This event is suitable for all ages and backgrounds who want to learn more about the global race to develop fusion power. Light refreshments and a chance to informally talk to speakers will be available from 6pm.
Fusion and STEP
UK Government's STEP project aims to be the world's first fusion power plant. Starting with a £220m concept design phase, some say that this "mega project" will invest over £20bn into the UK fusion industry over the coming decades, coupled with other private sector fusion developments worldwide. This marks a major step towards the industrialisation and realisation of fusion power. In the north west, there has been significant interest in fusion, including the STEP fusion plant nominations for Heysham and Moorside, and ground-breaking work being carried out at regional Universities for UKAEA, Tokamak Energy and others. Fusion is key to solving the energy crisis beyond 2050, as global demand for energy is expected to double even with expected energy saving, and we hope the north west can play a pivotal role in securing energy for the future.
Are you from Industry ?
Prior to this public talk, at 1.30pm there is a free industry focused event for organisations and businesses across the region to learn more about the supply chain opportunities in fusion in the north west, wider UK and globally, including more speakers from a number of world leading organisations. To sign up visit our other events listing.
If you have any questions, please direct them to: events@bay-fusion.co.uk
Event Speakers
We will be joined by a number of speakers including Jordan d’Arras (Outreach and Communications Officer at the UK Atomic Energy Authority) and Dr Sam Murphy from Lancaster University.