The UK defines its regulatory framework for fusion energy

UK consults on new regulatory framework to facilitate development of fusion power plants
Cadre Réglementaire pour l'Énergie de Fusion au Royaume-Uni

Partagez:

The UK government has introduced a proposed National Policy Statement for fusion energy. An innovative and promising field with many partnerships and challenges. This initiative aims to clarify and simplify the planning process for fusion facilities in England. It is designed to exclude these facilities from the more stringent regulatory procedures reserved for fission nuclear power plants.

Technology neutrality and flexibility

The proposed policy is technology-neutral. It covers all smelting plants, including those producing heat for industry. In addition, this approach aims to ensure that all types of merger projects are included in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) process.

Implications for investors and local communities

The clarified regulatory framework is expected to attract long-term investment. It promises to keep decision-making expertise at national level, avoiding disadvantages for local authorities who lack specialist knowledge. What’s more, the system is designed to maximize local economic benefits without imposing an excessive administrative burden.

Environmental and social commitment

The new policy avoids specifying predefined sites for future fusion facilities. This also allows greater flexibility and stimulates innovation without restricting emerging technologies. The government is banking on a more positive reception for fusion than for traditional nuclear technologies. In this sense, the British government declares that it:

“doesn’t want to exclude communities that are open to fusion technologies where they wouldn’t accept traditional nuclear technologies although it’s likely that the first fusion power plants won’t be located near urban populations.”

In addition, the sites will respect environmental and public health considerations. Andrew Bowie, UK Minister for Nuclear and Renewable Energy, says:

“The UK has been at the forefront of fusion energy development for decades and is in a unique position to capitalize on the environmental and economic benefits that this transformational new energy source can bring, including at a local and regional level… through this consultation, we want to hear from communities, industry and investors to ensure that the National Policy Statement fully supports the development of fusion power stations.”

Regulatory and technical considerations

Developers will need to consider the management of radioactive waste, including storage, transport and disposal. The government insists on safe treatment of hazardous waste, in line with existing planning policies, which also include flood risk and biodiversity.
This consultation on the regulatory framework for fusion energy illustrates the UK’s commitment to developing this clean technology. At the same time, it offers a stable and favorable regulatory vision for the decades to come, encouraging investment and community involvement.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.