A major step forward in the building of a fusion power plant on the site of the former West Burton power station has been announced, with the construction partner for the huge-scale project now chosen.

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, soon to become UK Fusion Energy, has selected ILIOS as construction partner for the STEP Fusion programme.

The £200m contract is a major milestone in transforming the Bassetlaw site into the UK’s world-leading prototype fusion energy plant.

ILIOS is a consortium led jointly by Kier and Nuvia, and supported by AECOM, AL_A Architects, and Turner and Townsend.

the former West Burton Power Station, that is to be demolished to make way for the new STEP Fusion project.

placeholder image — the former West Burton Power Station, that is to be demolished to make way for the new STEP Fusion project.

Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions and responsible officer for STEP Fusion, said: “The appointment of ILIOS as our construction partner marks a significant milestone for the STEP programme.

"Their combined experience in major infrastructure, safety-critical engineering and complex site transformation gives us real confidence as we move from planning into delivery.

"This partnership will help ensure that West Burton becomes a leading centre of fusion innovation and a cornerstone of the UK’s future clean energy landscape.”

Lord Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, said: “We can be proud that Britain will lead the way on research, innovation and skills for a future of limitless fusion energy.

“By backing our fusion industry, we are not only securing our future energy independence, but from innovation and research to engineers, we are also providing the skilled clean energy jobs of the future for British people.”

Simon Matthews, programme director for ILIOS added: “Following an extensive and collaborative procurement stage, we are proud to be selected as construction partner and to be part of this innovative and transformative chapter in energy supply.

“Through our involvement on the STEP programme, we will help advance the UK’s future energy resilience and decarbonisation ambitions, supporting economic and regional growth, high-quality jobs and the development of a long-term, UK-based, fusion supply chain.”

The former West Burton coal-fired power station closed in 2023 and is set to be demolished by 2028.

It is estimated that the new centre will create up to 10,000 jobs by 2030, and that operations at the site will begin in the 2040s.

West Lindsey District Council has welcomed this significant announcements from Government and UK Fusion Energy, marking major progress toward delivering the UK’s first prototype fusion power plant at West Burton.

Coun Jackie Brockway, leader of West Lindsey District Council, said: “The STEP Fusion programme marks a transformational moment for our region. West Burton has long been a powerhouse of UK energy, and today’s announcement secures its future at the heart of clean, cutting‑edge innovation.

“We welcome the government’s commitment to fusion development and the significant investment it brings with the news of the construction partner announced. This project has the potential to unlock thousands of skilled jobs, strengthen our local economy, and place West Lindsey at the forefront of the UK’s transition to sustainable energy.

“We are proud to play our part in shaping this new chapter for our community and for the nation’s energy future.”

Sally Grindrod-Smith, Director of Planning, Regeneration and Communities at West Lindsey District Council said the project will bring thousands of construction and engineering roles, as well as new supply chain opportunities across Lincolnshire and the wider region.

She added: “Today’s progress on the STEP Fusion programme provides a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity for the West Burton area and the wider region. The redevelopment of this nationally important site will create new pathways for skills, innovation and investment, while supporting our long‑term vision for economic growth and resilience.

“We will continue to work closely with UK Fusion Energy, our regional partners, and local communities to ensure the site’s transformation delivers lasting benefits, from high‑value employment to new opportunities across supply chains and future industries.”

Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire, Dame Andrea Jenkyns DBE, welcomed the announcements.

She said: “Today marks a major milestone for STEP Fusion and the start of a long-term strategy that will deliver thousands of future jobs, new opportunities, and significant investment for Greater Lincolnshire.

"One of my key ambitions is the creation of a new Greater Lincolnshire Trades College, and this announcement strengthens that mission - ensuring local people can gain the practical, technical, and engineering skills needed for the high-value careers projects like STEP Fusion will generate.

"This is a pivotal moment for our area, and we are determined to ensure our residents, businesses, and young people are fully equipped to benefit from the energy future being built at West Burton.”