STEP Fusion today marked a milestone in its journey toward delivering the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant with a community event at the Fusion Energy Café and The Bridge Skills Hub in Worksop. The event coincided with the café’s first birthday, celebrating its role as a hub for learning and engagement around fusion energy.
The afternoon brought together local stakeholders, community members, and the STEP Board for an open exhibition, presentations, and informal discussions about the programme’s plans for West Burton. Visitors explored interactive displays, met members of the STEP team, and learned more about how fusion energy could transform the UK’s energy future.
Highlights included Q&A sessions, outreach activities such as robotic demonstrations from our much loved four-legged friends Tok and Mak, and of course, birthday cake.
The Fusion Energy Café was launched in 2024, funded by the UK Atomic Energy Authority and is part of STEP’s commitment to transparent engagement and education ahead of the formal planning process for the West Burton site. It provides a welcoming space for the public to discover what fusion is, why it matters, and how the STEP programme is progressing.
Paul Methven, CEO of STEP Fusion, said:
“The Fusion Energy Café has become a focal point for conversation and curiosity about fusion. Today’s event was about celebrating that success and continuing to build trust and understanding with the local community. STEP Fusion is not just about technology, it’s about people, and we’re proud to share this journey with Bassetlaw and beyond.”
Dave Armiger, Chief Executive of Bassetlaw District Council, added:
“We’re delighted to host STEP and the wider community here in Worksop. The café has been a fantastic addition to the town, helping people learn about an exciting project that will bring jobs, skills, and investment to our area. Today’s event shows how collaboration can make a real difference.”
This was the final community event for 2025 and very much part of STEP Fusion’s ongoing commitment to openness and dialogue. It was also an opportunity to formally announce the Development Consent Order (DCO) process which will begin in January 2026.
A DCO is a single, streamlined planning consent for large infrastructure projects such as STEP Fusion. It combines permissions and grants powers to construct and operate the project lawfully. For STEP Fusion, the DCO will cover the prototype power plant and associated infrastructure developments across road, rail and river networks.
Non-statutory (informal) consultation will start in the local community in January and run for 8 weeks. The process involves a series of exhibitions across the area, we plan to visit Sturton-le-Steeple, North and South Wheatley, Bawtry, Lea, South Leverton Misterton, Sturton by Stow, Gringley on the Hill, Clarborough and Retford areas.
For more information about the Fusion Energy Café and upcoming events, visit their website
For more information on STEP Fusion visit www.stepfusion.com or follow @STEPtoFusion on social media.
