FIA Gives Evidence to UK Parliament on National Policy Statement for Fusion Energy Generation
On 9 September, Fusion Industry Association UK Director Tris Denton gave evidence to Parliament’s Energy Security and Net Zero (ESNZ) Select Committee as part of its inquiry into the National Policy Statement for fusion energy generation (NPS EN-8). The policy statement is intended to streamline the process and provide clarity on the planning of fusion power plants in the UK.
Meeting witnesses included:
- Michael Shanks MP, Minister for Energy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- David Sandford, Deputy Director, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
- Paul Methven, CEO, UK Fusion Energy Ltd, UKAEA Group
- Tris Denton, UK Director, Fusion Industry Association
- Jo Nettleton, Chief Regulator, Environment Agency
At the meeting, witnesses provided oral evidence on the NPS inquiry. Members of Parliament questioned witnesses on UK-specific and global fusion opportunities, regulation, commercial timelines, skills, supply chain, cost competitiveness, and technical advances.
The Government’s draft EN-8 is currently undergoing public consultation, while the Select Committee has begun its parliamentary scrutiny. The inquiry provides industry, experts, and the public with an opportunity to contribute to the process as the Committee considers the proposed planning framework for fusion. The Government has indicated that the Committee’s scrutiny must be completed by 30 November.
FIA welcomes the publication of draft NPS EN-8, and applauds the continuing work of the Government to establish the policy and regulatory ecosystem required for the deployment of fusion plants in the UK within the 2030s.
Watch the full hearing:
https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/2fcee7fe-2343-4e54-a474-2cb75d3b343b
