Following its decision not to associate to the Euratom programme, the UK government has announced plans for an alternative domestic nuclear research and development scheme.
The announcement outlines that the government plans to invest up to £650 million until 2027 to support UK fusion R&D programmes. Further details on the alternative programmes will be set out later in the Autumn.
The new alternative fusion R&D package will include funding for:
- new facilities, specifically to grow new fusion fuel cycle capabilities and support innovation
- a new fusion skills package, to ensure that the UK develops the skills and capability needed to deliver on its fusion strategy
- further support to strengthen international collaborative projects
- other measures to accelerate the commercialisation of fusion
The UK government has indicated that international collaboration is a core principle of this domestic programme, and that it remains open to collaboration including with the EU and ITER.
Further details will be announced in due course.