The project is expected to cost around £10bn and the UKAEA will begin tendering in December for separate strategic engineering and construction partners.

This appointed team will work collaboratively with UKAEA, under joint incentivisation mechanisms to be developed on the  STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) project.

Proposed STEP fusion plant design

These partners will be core to delivery of the programme, as well as securing market-leading experience and knowledge.

Atkins and energy transition specialists Assystem, were this week confirmed as Tranche 1 engineering delivery partner to develop the concept design for STEP.

Tranche 1 work will conclude in April 2024 when, subject to approval, the engineering and construction partners will develop a fully formed major programme bringing together and developing extensive industrial capabilities to deliver a full plant design, a viable supply chain and seek the consents needed for construction.

The construction partner will be tasked with delivering a site development programme, including innovative building designs focused on cost, schedule, safety and sustainability.

It will also manage the construction supply chain, taking direct responsibility for some sourcing decisions and work with the leadership team on more significant procurements.

The announcement of STEP’s site location is expected later this year following UKAEA’s recommendation to the Secretary of State for the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Tristram Denton, Head of Commercial and Programme Development for STEP, said: “Fusion has great potential to deliver safe, sustainable, low carbon energy for generations to come, and STEP is leading the way. It’s an ambitious programme operating at the forefront of science, technology and engineering.

“It’s clear we must make significant changes to address the effects of climate change, and STEP’s delivery partners will play a crucial role in our quest to making fusion a reality.”