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Fusion energy facilities: new National Policy Statement and proposals on siting

Fusion energy facilities: new National Policy Statement and proposals on siting: IET comments to the Department for Energy and Net Zero (DESNZ) consultation on 2 July 2024.

In May, the Department for Energy and Net Zero (DESNZ) published a consultation seeking views on their proposed approach for siting fusion energy facilities as part of a new National Policy Statement. This will then begin the process towards designating a new fusion energy National Policy Statement.

Fusion energy can play a key role in the UK’s ambition to reach its Net Zero targets and build a secure and resilient energy system. Fusion energy facilities must be built in an efficient and safety conscious way to ensure both public support and value for money. This consultation is a helpful step towards ensuring that can happen.

Our key comments are as follows:

  • Although, we support many of the proposals, there are still a number of blind spots particularly in areas on development and site assessment.
  • The government must get the definition of a fusion energy facility right in order to avoid the exploitation of loopholes during development.
  • Government must ensure that changes work within the boundaries of the Energy Act 2023.
  • When developing fusion energy facilities government must take a full systems approach to the wider energy system.