Next STEPs in creation of £2.5bn energy plant

The project, called Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), is being built at the site of the former West Burton power station

- By GEORGE PALMER-SOADY

LAST year was the year we heard nuclear fusion energy spoken of in connection to Nottinghamshire more than ever before.

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 - hoped 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. 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 as a result, with a transformation of the whole area.

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. However in 2025, that began to change as more progress appeared to be made than ever before.

While still a long way off, with the power plant set to be up and running in 2040, the project is becoming increasingly close to reality.

So what can be expected in 2026? We've tried to answer a few key questions.