Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy, and AECOM have announced the UK Infinity Fusion Consortium to pursue development of one of the first private-sector-led fusion power plant projects in the United Kingdom.
The companies intend to develop a fusion project that is commercially credible, deployable using existing enabling technologies and capable of attracting private capital – consistent with the UK Government’s UK Fusion Strategy.
It follows US-U.K. bilateral cooperation on fusion with HM King Charles III highlighting the issue in his recent address to the United States Congress last week.
The consortium partners are all members of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI), a global CEO-led network founded by HM King Charles III, with the mandate to lead the private sector in accelerating the transition to a sustainable economy.
It combines Type One Energy’s 400 MWe Infinity Two stellarator fusion power plant design, AECOM’s engineering capabilities and Tokamak Energy’s HTS magnet technology and manufacturing expertise in the UK.
The consortium will use these capabilities to develop a UK Infinity Two fusion power plant project that will include participation by the broader UK fusion value chain spanning construction, finance, offtake and other supply chain partners.
It builds on the UK’s investment in magnetic confinement fusion technology, supply chain capabilities, regulation, and power plant siting for the government’s STEP Fusion programme, and will also capitalise on the experience gained from the Infinity Two fusion power plant project at the Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA’s) Bull Run site in the United States, which is targeted for commercial operation in 2034.
The consortium will also create a private-sector-led fusion commercialisation pathway complementing the STEP Fusion programme.
Chris Mowry, Chief Executive Officer, Type One Energy, said:
“Fusion needs to be delivered, not just developed. This Consortium brings together the core industrial capabilities in the UK and US required to deploy real-world fusion power plant projects that are commercially viable.
“By aligning fusion technology, advanced manufacturing, and power plant engineering, we are closing the gap between today’s energy innovation and tomorrow’s energy infrastructure. Our initiative is fully aligned with UK and US ambitions to be leaders in commercial fusion deployment.”
Warrick Matthews, Chief Executive Officer, Tokamak Energy, said:
“This Consortium puts Tokamak Energy’s transformative magnet technology and manufacturing expertise in the centre of another world-class fusion programme. Together, we can accelerate towards commercialising a new form of limitless, clean energy and, in combination with our role as STEP magnet systems partner, strengthen the UK supply chain’s leadership in global fusion.”
Troy Rudd, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AECOM, said:
“Fusion represents one of the most important long-term energy solutions, offering a clean, safe and reliable source of power for future generations. Delivering on fusion’s potential requires disciplined engineering, well-established infrastructure delivery models and collaboration across the entire energy ecosystem.
“Through this Consortium, AECOM is bringing its global experience in complex energy infrastructure to help lay the groundwork for commercial fusion projects that can scale with confidence, supporting the UK’s energy system while strengthening its industrial and infrastructure base.”
Lord Vallance, UK Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear, said:
“This government is backing fusion with over £2.5 billion and recently announced a deal with the United States, which includes closer working on fusion research and development, taking us closer to a future powered by limitless clean energy. Our long-term vision and investment in the sector is now helping turn that ambition into reality.”
Lord Stockwood, UK Minister for Investment, said:
“The UK is a world leader in renewables, and this consortium will play a key role in new fusion projects, creating exciting opportunities for people in local communities. We’re serious about the benefits of clean energy technologies, which is why our modern Industrial Strategy is attracting investment into the sector to boost economic growth as the UK powers towards net zero.”
Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, CEO of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) said:
“Type One Energy, Tokamak Energy and AECOM have come together as members of the SMI, demonstrating the SMI’s Terra Carta and Astra Carta mandates in action – business and finance working together to turn breakthrough innovation into measurable progress in building a more sustainable future.”
Image courtesy of the consortium
