Further to a national news story issued on STEP Fusion resilience planning, our statement on safety can be found here:
At STEP Fusion, safety is at the heart of everything we do.
We understand that people may have questions about emergency planning, security and the potential risks associated with a new technology. These are important considerations and are being addressed from the earliest stages of the programme.
Fusion is fundamentally different from traditional nuclear technologies. A fusion reaction cannot continue unless the precise conditions required to sustain it are maintained. If those conditions are lost, the reaction stops automatically. There is no high-level waste from fusion, and we understand how to reduce and manage the intermediate waste that is created.
From the earliest stages of design, the STEP prototype power plant is being developed with robust safety and security built in. Our approach ensures that, in the very unlikely event of an incident, the site would be able to contain, respond to, and resolve it quickly and effectively. This includes considering a wide range of scenarios, from equipment failures and natural events to potential security threats.
We work closely with the Environment Agency and the Health and Safety Executive throughout the development of STEP to ensure safety remains central to every stage of design and delivery.
As a first-of-a-kind programme, some aspects of the plant are still being developed. What will not change is our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety, security and public accountability as the programme progresses.
STEP Fusion will deliver significant regional economic growth, stimulate industrial development, and enhance the UK’s energy security. The programme’s ultimate outcome is a reliable, abundant energy source designed to meet the evolving demands of communities and businesses across the country.
