Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, stepped into the future of energy this week, touring the STEP Fusion site at West Burton. Her visit underscored the UK’s ambitious stride in fusion energy, a sector poised to redefine the region’s economic landscape and global energy dynamics.
The STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) programme, targeting first operations by 2040, is already stirring local economies. Mayor Jenkyns engaged with project leaders, discussing the programme’s potential to generate thousands of skilled jobs in construction and engineering over the next 15 years. Local educational institutions are expanding fusion-relevant courses, ensuring residents are equipped to seize these high-skilled opportunities.
“At STEP Fusion in West Burton, I’ve seen what’s possible and it’s very exciting,” Jenkyns remarked. “The impact across Greater Lincolnshire on skills to service the fusion industry and the industries that come off this, the job creation and growth, is amazing.”
The visit coincided with the demolition of cooling towers at the neighbouring former coal-fired Cottam power station, a historic moment marking the region’s energy transformation. The area, bordering Lincolnshire along the River Trent, is evolving into a global hub for fusion energy.
STEP Fusion is pioneering the charge for fusion, aiming to build the UK’s first prototype fusion power plant. This endeavour encompasses design, site development, construction, and supply chain logistics, with the potential to catalyse new technologies and industries.
A 20-year skills partnership between the UK Atomic Energy Authority and the East Midlands Combined Authority will drive fusion skills and economic growth. With a £2.5bn investment from central government into fusion energy over the next five years, the region is poised for significant development.
STEP Fusion’s Programme Director, Dr James Cowan, highlighted the region’s potential: “Greater Lincolnshire has the skills, ambition, and drive to play a key role in this national project. The Mayor’s support helps us ensure that the opportunities created here at West Burton, from high-value jobs to new supply chains, will not only regenerate the area but also continue the site’s proud legacy in energy generation, securing skilled employment and economic growth for decades to come.”
This news could accelerate the development of fusion energy, positioning the UK as a global leader. The focus on local skills development and job creation may also serve as a model for other regions undergoing energy transitions. As the world watches, the Greater Lincolnshire region is set to become a testament to the power of fusion energy and the potential it holds for economic and industrial transformation.