UK and US fusion strike partnership to accelerate clean energy

The UK and US governments will sign two agreements at the Global Fusion Summit in London on Monday 14 September, combining expertise in artificial intelligence, computing, and fusion to advance commercial fusion energy. The first agreement establishes a supercomputing partnership between the UK Atomic Energy Authority and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to accelerate research. The second is a Joint Statement committing both nations to closer cooperation on regulating fusion energy, intended to attract investment and support sector growth.

Fusion energy replicates the process powering the sun by combining hydrogen atoms to release energy without carbon emissions during operation. The UK aims to create over 10,000 jobs in the fusion sector by 2030 while positioning British businesses to benefit from economic opportunities in the emerging industry. Strengthening ties with the US is described by the UK government as a step toward commercialising fusion, turning research into economic growth and reinforcing the UK’s leadership in the field.

A £2.63 million collaboration on fusion materials has been secured by the University of Birmingham, the Electric Power Research Institute, and industry partners, enhancing UK industrial capability and international collaboration. Kyoto Fusioneering, Japan’s largest fusion company, will invest up to £3 million in the UK through Project ALBION, supporting materials development for the STEP programme, a government-backed initiative designing a prototype fusion power plant.

The UK published its Fusion Investment Prospectus to outline opportunities for companies and investors, aiming to establish the country as a leading destination for fusion energy. The prospectus follows a record £2.5 billion government investment in fusion over five years and includes a £180 million programme for tritium breeding technology and a £125 million AI Growth Zone at Culham, featuring the £45 million SUNRISE supercomputer.