Ministers have pledged £410m to support the rapid development of fusion energy technology in the UK, with the hope that a prototype plant could be built by 2040.

Fusion is a potential source of almost limitless clean energy that lacks many of the downsides associated with traditional nuclear fission, such as waste storage problems. It uses the same process that powers the sun by combining two forms of hydrogen and heating them at extreme temperatures. But despite its promise, the technology is still in the research phase and will not be part of the UK’s 2030 decarbonisation goals.

The funds announced today will be available to the sector over the coming financial year and include support for the development of a prototype plant located at the decommissioned West Burton coal-fired power station in Nottinghamshire. Five bids from construction and engineering firms have already progressed to the next round of the competitive process to deliver the prototype plant.

Other funds will be used...