Dr James Cowan, Programme Director of the STEP Project, together with colleague Katy Jarvis-Morgan, Senior Site Stakeholder and Engagement Manager, was the guest speaker at the opening meeting of the Nottinghamshire Environmental Association’s Autumn Programme. Based at the 360-acre West Burton Power Station site, the STEP Project is still in its early stages, with completion planned for 2040. STEP stands for Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production, an innovative and not yet fully realised method of producing electricity through nuclear fusion. As Dr Cowan explained, if the process can be engineered to work continuously, it will generate vast amounts of electricity from very small amounts of specialised water – deuterium and tritium – heated to 100 million degrees Celsius, ten times hotter than the sun. The resulting plasma cannot touch the sides of its doughnut-shaped chamber, so it is suspended by powerful magnetic fields. Earlier this year, China successfully ran a Tokamak for 17 minutes – a major step forward.
Fusion differs from conventional nuclear power, which relies on fission – the splitting of large atoms, creating both energy and long-lived radioactive waste. Fusion, by contrast, fuses hydrogen atoms together to form helium, producing immense energy with no harmful by-products. It is also inherently safe, as the reaction automatically shuts down if disrupted, eliminating the risk of runaway reactors or Chernobyl-style disasters.
Dr Cowan outlined further advantages: no dangerous waste requiring storage for millennia, fuel derived from seawater providing a secure and sustainable supply, and extraordinary efficiency – just one gram of fuel could power a car to the moon and back. However, he acknowledged that sustained efficiency remains the key challenge. The STEP Project’s goal is to refine this process and build a working, energy-producing prototype Tokamak.
The project is expected to bring significant local benefits beyond energy production. Extensive surveys are already underway at West Burton to assess soil structure and water tables influenced by the nearby River Trent. Plans outline three primary zones: the Tokamak and associated machinery, surrounding environmental areas, and an industrial innovation zone. Drawing on experience from the Culham site in Oxfordshire, the project could create around 5,000 jobs, ranging from construction and maintenance to high-level research positions.
Local engagement is a major focus. A dedicated education and training initiative will involve schools, colleges, universities and local businesses in developing the future workforce. Support from county and district councils, as well as the Mayoral Authority, will help ensure that the project benefits the region. Infrastructure improvements are already being discussed, including upgrades to the existing railway line and road network to accommodate increased traffic.
Dr Cowan concluded with an inspiring message: ‘We are not wishing on a star. We are creating a star.’ The development, he said, is designed to benefit the UK and provide a world-leading energy technology that could eventually generate an estimated £12trillion in global income. An audience of 39 members and five visitors attended the talk, engaging in lively discussion and expressing great appreciation for the presentation. Many admitted that some of the science was challenging, but all agreed it was fascinating and thought-provoking.
A communication event will take place at The Fusion Café in Worksop on Thursday 27th November.
Upcoming talks
- Thursday 6th November – Kill or Cure: Bygone Medicine
- Thursday 4th December – The Curiosity Box Quiz (Christmas Quiz)
Meetings are held at Hallcroft Community Centre, Randall Way, Retford. Doors open at 7.10pm, and talks begin at 7.30pm. Entry for non-members is £3.50 per talk, including hot drinks and light refreshments. For details contact Paul Willcock (chairman and secretary) – paul@paulwillcock.com or 07581 531595 – or Adrian Blackburn (vice-chairman and treasurer) – adrian.blackburn@sky.com or 07718 766873. New members are always very welcome to join this friendly and active group.