It works by generating electricity using heat from nuclear fusion reactions to create unlimited net power in the same process stars use. So far, no fusion reactor has managed to consume less energy than it produces. But the UK is struggling to crack the code and the prototype for a proposed site to host a nuclear plant near Goole in East Yorkshire has been given the go-ahead by the government. It is one of five sites selected by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) as a potential site to host the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme. This is the scheme, which has been backed with an initial £222m by the Government, to build a prototype fusion power plant that will one day generate unlimited clean energy. BHIMA’s main goal is to deliver 100 Megawatts (MW) of clean electricity to the grid. The winning location is to be announced later this year. A range of stakeholders led by the University of York. and key industry players have backed the bid launched by East Riding of Yorkshire Council for the prototype, which will reportedly generate more than £1 billion in gross value added (GVA). A report authored by Dr Mark Graham, Senior Economist at the Data-Driven Innovation Programme, at the University of Edinburgh, argued the plant would be a huge win for the region. READ MORE: Russia on high nuclear alert: Putin unleashes ’round-the-clock’ surveillance Cllr Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economic investment, development and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The STEP fusion power project would be truly transformative for the East Riding and bring opportunities for generations to come. “This economic report has further quantified the huge economic benefits the plant could bring in construction costs, investment, training and jobs. “The impact on jobs for local people in a variety of roles cannot be understated, nor can STEP’s ambition to drive skills and investment in our local schools and colleges. “The council will continue to work hard with our interested partners to ensure that the East Riding has done everything possible until the preferred site is named later this year.”
