The UK has signed a deal with the US to further research into advanced fusion energy as part of efforts to tackle the climate crisis.

In a joint statement, the UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the US Department of Energy said that fusion could provide “a low-carbon, safe, sustainable and reliable energy supply” with the potential to bolster global efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions.

The technology has been in development for decades but has yet to be commercialised. However, in December last year, scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory were finally able to produce more energy than was consumed during a fusion energy reaction in a major breakthrough.

This new partnership between the two countries aims to further cooperation on fusion technology between US and UK scientists by sharing resources and facilities. It also wants to support “the international harmonisation” of regulatory frameworks and codes...