UK and US launch £40.5 million joint fusion project with Tokamak Energy to advance clean energy technology that will unlock near-unlimited clean power
A major project to help develop cutting-edge fusion energy has been agreed between the US and UK – in partnership with UK based company Tokamak Energy – boosting UK’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.
This first-of-its-kind project between both governments will be backed by £40.5 million to advance lithium research – driving progress towards commercialising fusion energy, a technology that could generate a near unlimited supply of clean electricity for families and businesses.
Fusion works by combining two forms of hydrogen and heating them at extreme temperatures, releasing vast amounts of energy. The project leverages funding from the US into UK supply chains and growth of high-quality jobs.
The project will start in 2025 at Tokamak Energy’s Oxfordshire facility. It will focus on enhancing the efficiency and durability of plasma-facing components – a critical challenge in unlocking fusion’s potential.
This is the first joint project since the UK and US announced their fusion energy partnership in November 2023. It underscores the UK’s leadership in fostering public-private collaboration to accelerate fusion energy development – a technology poised to revolutionise clean energy.
Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy said:
Dr. Geraldine Richmond, Under Secretary for Science and Innovation at the US Department of Energy said:
Tokamak Energy CEO Warrick Matthews said:
Notes to Editors
The project known as LEAPS will be backed by £40.5 million, with £13.5 million coming from the UK through the Fusion Futures Programme, £13.5 million from the US and £13.5 million from Tokamak Energy.
The UK’s share comes from the existing Fusion Futures programme which was launched in 2023 that has budget allocated for international research collaboration.
The budget set for the Future Fusion Programme under the previous government totals £650 million.