Lord Ravensdale visited West Burton yesterday as part of a tour of major energy and industrial developments across the emerging Trent Supercluster, culminating in the official opening of STEP Fusion’s new reception building. During the visit, Lord Ravensdale cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the facility and heard about the progress being made to deliver the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant.
The visit brought together representatives from industry, local government and regional development organisations to explore how major investments in clean energy, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure could work together to drive economic growth across the East Midlands. The programme included visits to GeoPura at High Marnham, EDF’s plans at Cottam Power Station and STEP Fusion at West Burton.
Reflecting on the visit, Lord Ravensdale praised both the scale of ambition and the collaborative approach being developed across the region.
“Absolutely brilliant to visit the Supercluster sites today. Such an incredible vision for the future, integrating different technologies and bringing jobs and skills to the region.”
His comments echo a growing recognition that the East Midlands is home to a unique concentration of nationally significant projects, spanning fusion energy, hydrogen production, advanced manufacturing, future electricity infrastructure, SMRs and data centre development.
At West Burton, discussions focused on the role STEP Fusion can play in supporting the region’s long-term growth ambitions by creating skilled jobs, generating supply chain opportunities and attracting investment into the area.
Ryan Ramsey, Director of Organisational Performance and Executive Lead for West Burton, said:
“It was fantastic to welcome Lord Ravensdale to West Burton and showcase the progress being made across the site.
What was particularly encouraging throughout the day was the recognition that projects across the region are not competing with one another. By working together, sharing infrastructure, developing skills and attracting investment, we have an opportunity to create something far greater than any one project could achieve alone.
There is real momentum building across the East Midlands, and it was encouraging to hear Lord Ravensdale recognise the positive energy, ambition and collaboration that is emerging across the region.”
Throughout the visit, conversations focused on the opportunities created by collaboration between projects across the Trent Supercluster, including shared infrastructure, skills development, innovation and inward investment.
The opening of the new reception building provided a visible milestone in the ongoing transformation of the West Burton site and offers a new front door for visitors, partners and stakeholders engaging with the programme.
As work continues on STEP Fusion and neighbouring developments across the region, the visit highlighted both the scale of opportunity ahead and the growing momentum behind a shared vision for regional growth, innovation and industrial regeneration.
