AL_A to design UK's first government-backed fusion power plant

Amanda Levete's firm AL_A has been appointed to design the UK's first government-backed prototype fusion power plant in Nottinghamshire.

Working as part of the ILIOS consortium led by Kier and Nuvia with AECOM and Turner & Townsend, the studio secured a £200 million contract for the government's STEP Fusion programme, which aims to establish a commercially-viable fusion power plant by 2040.

Funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the prototype will be built on the site of the West Burton A power station, which closed in 2023 and is set to be demolished.

AL_A's involvement in the project comes three years after it received planning approval for the world's first magnetised fusion facility in Oxfordshire.

Consortium responsible for every aspect of construction

"We are developing ambitious plans to transform a former coal power station into a vibrant, sustainable, science-led community that engages the public and nurtures skills growth, wellbeing and economic prosperity in the region," the studio said.

"Over the last 18 months in collaboration with STEP and ILIOS, we have begun to shape a vision that will create a centre of gravity for the fusion industry at West Burton," it added.

ILIOS' appointment as construction partner will see the consortium responsible for every aspect of construction at the West Burton site.

Fusion power offers clean and virtually limitless energy and as such would support "future energy resilience" for the country, according programme director at ILIOS Simon Matthews.

"This is a significant milestone in the UK's transition to clean energy," Matthews said. "Through our involvement on the STEP programme, we will help advance the UK's future energy resilience and decarbonisation ambitions."

At its peak, the West Burton redevelopment is expected to create up to 8,000 new jobs.

West Burton to become "leading centre of fusion innovation"

The announcement of the consortium's appointment coincides with the government's launch of its Fusion Strategy, which aims to draw in investment and position the UK as a "global leader in fusion innovation".

"The appointment of ILIOS as our construction partner marks a significant milestone for the STEP programme," CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Paul Methven said.

"This partnership will help ensure that West Burton becomes a leading centre of fusion innovation and a cornerstone of the UK's future clean energy landscape."

Elsewhere, Marks Barfield Architects has proposed a tidal power station "to reduce reliance on fossil fuels" in the UK and Schmidt Hammer Lassen topped a power plant in Shenzhen with a rooftop walkway.

The top image is courtesy of AL_A.

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