Goole has been shortlisted as one of the possible locations for the development of a prototype nuclear fusion power plant.
The UK’s Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) announced this week that the town has been selected as one of the 15 sites which are in the running to become the future home of the fusion energy power plant, the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP).
STEP Programme Director, Paul Methven said: “STEP is about building on the amazing science done over decades in fusion and translating that into a real prototype power plant that paves the way for this fantastic new energy source. “Selecting a site is critical for that transition to delivery and we are pleased to have received a number of high quality nominations. We are looking forward to getting to know the nominating communities as we progress through the assessment process over the next year. “Wherever STEP is eventually built, it will bring significant benefits to the region, including employment, skills development and the development of a high-technology, low-carbon supply chain.”
The prototype site will lead the way in establishing if nuclear fusion power plants can deliver on providing a limitless, zero-carbon energy supply and if successful this new technology will play an important role alongside established renewable technologies such as wind and solar. STEP will be the UK’s prototype fusion plant and is intended to pave the way for commercial fusion power. The area which is selected to host the prototype site could benefit from the creation of thousands of new, high skilled jobs during the construction and operation of the plant, while also attracting investment into the area from other energy and associated industries.
In a statement, UKAEA said: “Acceptance of these sites into our assessment process does not indicate they are preferred or desired, or that we believe their development is, in all cases, possible -simply that the procedural entry criteria have been met and assessment has now begun. Inclusion is without consideration of adjacent operations or proposals. “Many sites have adjacent operations, bringing mutual dependencies if STEP were to be developed in those locations. We will work to understand the dependencies and implications as the assessment continues. No view will be formalised on the potential suitability of sites until the shortlisting phase, which will take place in the autumn.” UKAEA is targeting first operations in the early 2040s, with initial aims to produce a concept design by 2024. The next stage of the process is a thorough technical assessment to assess the suitability of the shortlisted sites. Once all assessment processes are complete, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will make a final decision on the site; anticipated around the end of 2022. Goole is in the running to become the location of a prototype fusion energy power plant. (17-06-87 SU)
