The new horizon for nuclear energy is right on our doorstep

2025 was the year we heard nuclear fusion energy branded about Nottinghamshire more than ever before.

- By GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

Admittedly a tricky concept to grasp, our county will be at the forefront of its introduction across the UK thanks to a £2.5 billion project near Retford.

The new nuclear fusion energy plant - hoping to be the first of its kind in the world - is set to be built at the site of the former West Burton A power station in North Nottinghamshire.

The project - called Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) - is aiming to create a new type of energy using the same process that powers the sun.

More than 10,000 jobs are expected to be created from the site’s creation, with it being believed the whole area could be transformed due to an increase of business and trade in North Nottinghamshire.

It's a project that has been a hot topic of discussion for various Governments and organisations over the years - but with little meat on the bones.

Yet in 2025, that began to change as more progress appeared to be made on the future of the project than ever before.

While still a long mile off - with the power plant set to be up-and-running in 2040 - the project's end is now in sight.

So what steps have been taken this year and what can be expected in 2026? We've tried to answer a few of these key questions for you.

In March, a report revealed thousands of construction and operations jobs will be created as the power station takes shape.