France-based Assystem has hosted the launch of the new Fusion Industry Taskforce (FIT) to provide an independent voice to UK government on key issues relating to fusion development in the UK. FIT is backed by the Department for Energy & Net Zero (DESNZ) and brings together a cross-sector group of organisations representing the fusion energy supply chain, engineering companies and academia. Assystem holds major contracts at ITER and has experience across the UK fusion programme including in the public sector (the JET, MAST-U and STEP projects) and private fusion.
As well as Assystem, members include Cavendish Nuclear, General Atomics, IMechE, KBR, Kyoto Fusioneering, Nuvia, Oxford Sigma as well as leading UK universities, including Manchester University, York University and Bangor University. FIT will act as the mouthpiece for the UK fusion’s supply chain, engineering sector and academia helping to shape the policy landscape and support the UK’s ambition to be a “fusion energy superpower” in the coming decades.
FIT members will meet regularly to discuss and plan activity around key topics affecting their activities in fusion, including skills and education; innovation and technology; infrastructure and facilities; international collaboration; investment; grid and the needs of the customer; safety and siting; as well as lifecycle and manufacturing processes.
FIT aims to identify commercial opportunities for the fusion sector in the UK including global trade and cooperation opportunities while recognising the heritage of the UK fusion industry built over many decades and exemplified by the work of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) at Culham.
The taskforce held its first meeting in November 2022 and has subsequently hosted many meetings with central Government departments in London and Manchester. Its remit extends to briefing MPs and members of the House of Lords on the importance of fusion energy to the UK.
Image: Launch event of the Fusion Industry Taskforce (courtesy of Assystem)
