On October 26, 2023, the UK’s Energy Act 2023 gained Royal Assent and was enacted to strengthen the UK’s long-term energy security and support affordable clean energy. The UK will become the first country to legislate for fusion regulation, which will foster the growth of the domestic fusion industry in support of the UK’s goal for a prototype fusion power plant by 2040.
Through the Agile Nations network, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada published initial suggestions for a multi-national fusion regulatory framework. The network, consisting of government representatives and technical experts, suggested recommendations on how to develop an appropriate regulatory framework for fusion energy facilities. The group recognized the importance and viability of fusion power as a global opportunity, and recommends that fusion regulations should be pro-innovation, risk-informed, and transparent.
The Fusion Industry Association welcomes the U.K. Government’s ambitious new programme for fusion development and commercialisation as an alternative to Euratom association.
On Monday, July 31, the UK Science, Innovation and Technology Committee published a comprehensive report on delivering nuclear power, concluding that the UK should continue R&D for fusion technologies with fusion as a ‘part of the Government’s long-term energy plan’.
On July 1, the Fusion Industry Association appointed Dr Nick Walkden as UK Director. Nick brings with him extensive experience in fusion science and technology, policy, and strategy, developed in both the public and private sectors of the fusion industry.
On May 31, 2021 the Regulatory Horizons Council, a new expert committee responsible for educating the UK’s government on the regulations necessary for the advancement of technological innovation, released a report on its recommendations to ensure the rapid and safe progress of fusion energy. The Fusion Industry Association was cited throughout the report with regards…