West Burton has reached a major milestone in its transformation, as STEP Fusion takes control of part of the site and expands its offices.
UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has completed the first phase of the acquisition of the former coal-fired power station at West Burton from EDF, with the first parcel of land transferred on 23 March 2026 – three and a half years ahead of schedule, demonstrating strong Government commitment to the programme’s success.
EDF will continue to occupy and operate parts of the site under agreed transitional arrangements, with operational responsibility for other areas transferring to UK Fusion Energy (UKFE), a wholly owned subsidiary of UKAEA and the organisation responsible for delivering the STEP Fusion programme. Under these arrangements, demolition of the former power station will continue in the south of the site, while ash extraction progresses in the north, alongside STEP’s growing presence as early enabling works get underway.
Marking this progress, UKFE Board members joined colleagues last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the new office building. The facility is now home to the STEP Fusion project management team and provides critical space to support the next phase of delivery, including the rapid expansion of construction partner ILIOS as activity on site accelerates.
Paul Methven, CEO, said:
“Securing operational control of the West Burton site was a pivotal moment for the STEP programme. It gives us the certainty, the space and the responsibility to begin shaping the site for the decades ahead.
“With our construction partner now in place, we can move forward with early enabling works that will prepare West Burton for the first major build phases. The progress we’re seeing demonstrates strong confidence in the programme and reflects our long-term commitment to the community in delivering a world-leading fusion energy programme for the UK.”
Together, these milestones highlight the pace of progress at West Burton from securing the site to enabling construction and reinforces its role in driving regional investment, job creation and long-term economic growth.
