Fusion Industry Association Appoints Director for the UK

Effective May 7, 2024, FIA has appointed Tris Denton to lead its ongoing activities in the UK. 

With the rapid growth of private fusion industry around the world, huge technical progress being made day-by-day in the fusion sector, and the UK government’s longstanding leadership in fusion policy, the coming year is an important time for FIA in the UK. Tris will work to ensure the industry can offer clear and compelling inputs to Government consultations, public discussions, and more. He will directly involve the FIA and its members with already existing forums such as the Fusion Cluster and others.

Tris has long-standing experience in the UK clean-energy sector, including with the UKAEA STEP programme. 

The opportunities offered by private fusion for the UK economy are significant, and Tris will work alongside partners such as the Fusion Cluster to build on the strong foundations already in place. The FIA is a membership organisation consisting of 37 fusion developers from around the world. Two of them are based in the UK, and many others have interests and partnerships with the UKAEA and other institutions in the country. 

“Fusion is a beacon of hope for everyone who cares about the climate. Clean, safe, and large-scale, fusion will form a vital part of the world’s energy mix as we move through the coming years. 

The UK has been at the forefront of fusion for decades. The private sector in the UK is growing, alongside our fantastic colleagues in the public sector. It’s vital that these companies have a focal point for interaction and alignment – and can establish a shared voice to Government, the public, and industry. 

Great things are always achieved through collaboration, and the growth of a global fusion industry will be no different. I’ll be working in the UK, in close alignment with FIA colleagues in the US and elsewhere. My priority is to form deep and trusting relationships with FIA member companies, and to work with all our external stakeholders as we deliver progress toward clean, affordable, commercial fusion.”

Tris Denton, FIA UK Director

“Tris Denton is well-placed to lead the FIA in the UK in a time of important transition in the global fusion industry. The FIA’s work in the UK will be coordinated closely with the FIA’s global presence in Washington, Brussels, and our interests elsewhere around the world. He has my full confidence and I look forward to working with him.”

Andrew Holland, FIA CEO

Tris will continue to work in other roles in the energy sector while supporting FIA.