The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has today opened its first office building at West Burton in Nottinghamshire to support the development of the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production).
The building was opened by a member of West Burton’s security team, Rebecca Parry, from Gainsborough, the third generation of Parry family to be employed at the site over the last six decades.
Speaking at the opening event, Rebecca Parry commented: “I am very honoured to have been asked to officially open the first STEP building on site. In our family, West Burton is close to all our hearts.
“My grandfather, David Parry, would be extremely proud that our family were chosen to help celebrate the opening ceremony and in turn I’m so delighted that my daughter Erin can see what our family have achieved through the decades. I hope it inspires her for her future career.”
Rebecca was joined at West Burton her five-year-old daughter, Erin, who attends a local primary school in Gainsborough, along with her father, John Parry, who worked in the control room as part of the operations team. Her grandfather, David Parry, helped to build the site in the 1960s.
Paul Methven, CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), the subsidiary of UKAEA Group being set up to lead delivery of STEP, said: “Today’s modest beginnings mark an important milestone for the STEP programme and delivery of a revolutionary new energy source that could be transformative for climate change in addition to creating thousands of jobs for the region.
“I would like to thank Rebecca and family for joining us today and for representing the many multi-generational families that have been part of West Burton’s past and present, and who will continue to be part of West Burton’s future.”
Members of local district councils from Bassetlaw and West Lindsey in addition to Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire County Council joined Midlands Engine and EDF representatives to mark the occasion.
The temporary office building (330 sq. mt) will house the local STEP team and project staff as they work on the plans to deliver the prototype fusion energy plant, a first of its kind.
STEP is expected to pave the way to the commercialisation of fusion – based on the same process that powers the Sun – and the potential development of a fleet of future plants around the world.
The next STEP community event will see members of the public invited to Sturton Hall & Conference Centre on 27 February 2024 to help develop the vision for West Burton with new material presented by the STEP team for the first time. To find out more, visit: step.ukaea.uk.
Rebecca Parry cuts ribbon with Dr James Cowan, STEP Programme Director – Photo Credit: UK Atomic Energy Authority
