Power station site near Gainsborough in running for 'world-leading' fusion energy plant

A power station near Gainsborough has been earmarked as a potential destination for a brand new power plant.
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West Burton A, along with the decommissioned Cottam power station, have been nominated by Nottinghamshire County Council and Bassetlaw District Council for the world's first prototype fusion plant.

The move forms part of a government project known as STEP - the first stage in the UK’s bid to be the first country to commercialize fusion energy.

Rather than the conventional nuclear power - nuclear fission, in which atoms are split - it is hoped that the new plant will be part of a new generation of nuclear power known as ‘nuclear fusion’, in which two or more atoms are combined.

West Burton Power StationWest Burton Power Station
West Burton Power Station

Supporters say nuclear fusion 'offers a virtually limitless source of clean electricity by copying the processes that power the Sun'.

Kay Cutts MBE, leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Our county has proud heritage of producing energy which helped power the industrial revolution, so looking to the future, this could be our opportunity to help lead the UK’s green energy revolution.

“It is very early days of course in the process, but it would be a tremendous boost for Nottinghamshire and the rest of the region.

“Generations to come would benefit from new skills, training and thousands of highly skilled jobs, attracting investment and bringing massive benefits to our regional economy, not to mention lucrative opportunities for the local supply chain to help construct the plant.

“Located at the heart of the country, we are very well-placed to host a world-leading green energy site.

“It would build on our own ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and create new jobs and economic growth.

“So together with a potential fusion energy site in the county, Nottinghamshire would truly be a world leader in green energy production and fully recognise the economic benefits it would bring.”

Following the first round of nominations, it is expected further national assessments of sites will be made based on social, commercial and technical criteria.

Construction of the plant is due to be completed by 2040.