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Today marks a pivotal moment for the United Kingdom's nuclear fusion ambitions. The government pulled the curtain back on a staggering £650 million investment plan earmarked for nuclear fusion research and development (R&D) through 2027.
What's intriguing? This comes on the heels of the UK's decision to steer clear of re-associating with the EU's Euratom Research and Training programme.
Interestingly, today's announcement dovetails with the UK re-entering the Horizon R&D initiative with the EU, a move made possible after the Brexit dust settled. While renewing ties with Horizon, the government sent a clear message—it has zero intentions of hitching its wagon back to Euratom.
It also stressed that the government remains "very open to collaboration with the EU and other international partners, and this will form a key part of this new programme of work".
"Today's investment is a game-changer for the UK," said Minister for Nuclear and Networks Andrew Bowie. "It gives us the best opportunity to create jobs, investment and, ultimately, economic growth. And it gives our talented science community the opportunity to work with experts all around the world.
"It will also secure the country's position as a world-leader in fusion, meaning we could become the first to commercialise this exciting new technology as a clean and secure source of energy."
In terms of infrastructure, the government isn't skimping. Funding is also earmarked for groundbreaking facilities. The goal? To amplify fusion fuel cycle capabilities and spark innovation. Skill development programs, international project collaborations, and steps to fast-track commercial fusion ventures are on the agenda.
Sir Ian Chapman, CEO of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), said: "UKAEA welcomes the clarity about our future relationship with the Euratom R&T programme, which provides the certainty needed by the sector. The government's commitment to an ambitious alternative R&D programme will be hugely important in sustaining the UK's position as a leader in fusion R&D as well as developing an industrial capability to deliver future fusion power plants. We welcome the ambition to retain, and even enhance, our international collaborative relationships through this substantial package of alternative R&D."
The news was also welcomed by Tom Greatrex, chief executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, who said: "UK nuclear scientists are world-class, so it's very good news that they will be able to access Horizon funds," he said. "Our association will boost our collaboration with international partners and drive more value into the UK supply chain.
"We're also pleased to see that the government has made a separate commitment to a serious programme of investment in our UK fusion industry. We are at the forefront of the global race on fusion, and we have to do everything in power to secure that lead and build up our industrial capability to commercialise this technology. Fusion offers the promise of nearly boundless clean energy, and the first country to deploy it successfully will reap the greatest reward."
But it's not all rosy. Detractors of nuclear fusion caution that despite its unlimited clean energy promise, the technology is still far from market-ready. It may not be the silver bullet for global climate challenges, even with optimistic timelines.