Have your say on planned STEP Fusion powerplant

Communities across North Nottinghamshire are urged to have their say on plans for a STEP Fusion prototype powerplant in the area.

UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) has launched the first public consultation for the planned powerplant at the former site of the West Burton coal-fired power station, near Retford.

The consultation is designed to give people the chance to learn about the emerging proposals and share their views. As well as an online portal, consultation events will take place in community venues within roughly 10 kilometres of the West Burton site – including in Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire, as well as North Nottinghamshire – with additional activity in Bawtry to support wider transport discussions.

This early, informal consultation marks a significant moment for the STEP Fusion programme, which aims to deliver a first-of-its-kind fusion powerplant at the former West Burton A site, chosen for its strong infrastructure, long energy-generation history and well-established grid connections. Further formal stages of consultation will follow.

This world-leading fusion plant will revitalise the former coal-mining community with new clean energy jobs.  Fusion already supports thousands of jobs in Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Yorkshire with thousands more to follow as the technology advances.

Paul Methven, UKIFS chief executive officer and responsible officer for STEP Fusion, said: “This is a major milestone for STEP Fusion and for the communities who have supported us from day one. Local people in and around West Burton, Retford and Gainsborough have played a crucial role in bringing the Programme to the region.

“Over the past two years, we’ve held extensive outreach events and listened closely to the community’s ambitions and concerns. This first formal consultation is your opportunity to help shape the proposals as they develop.”

STEP Fusion consultation

Visitors to the consultation events and online portal can explore early plans for the site including the potential layout of the fusion facility, transport strategies covering road, rail and river options, and the long-term economic benefits for the region.

The vision also includes a public transport interchange, river-handling facilities and areas for science-park-style innovation space that could support broader research and development activity in the future.

Paul said: “We are committed to designing a facility that fits sensitively with its surroundings. Our early plans protect green space, encourage biodiversity and make the most of opportunities for public and active travel. We value the area’s heritage and are working closely with organisations such as Historic England.”

Fusion uses the same process that powers the sun and stars. Two forms of hydrogen are combined and heated at extreme temperatures, releasing vast amounts of clean energy. STEP – Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production – aims to demonstrate net energy from fusion and lay the foundations for future commercial fusion plants.

Have your say

The consultation runs until 11 March 2026. Residents, businesses, and community groups can provide feedback online, at an event, or by post.

The online portal – click here to take part – closes at 11.59pm on the final day. Alternatively, email  communications.step@ukifs.uk or write to FREEPOST STEP Fusion – no postage or further address needed.

In-person events give the opportunity for the community to meet the team and ask questions. North Nottinghamshire events include:

• Friday 16 January, 10am-3pm  – North and South Wheatley Village Hall, Sturton Road, South Wheatley, Retford DN22 9DH;
• Wednesday 21 January, 3-8pm – South Leverton Memorial Institute, Town Street, South Leverton, Retford DN22 0BT;
• Thursday 22 January, 3-8pm – Hallcroft Community Hall, Randall Way, Retford DN22 7GR;
• Wednesday 28 January, 10am-3pm – Misterton Methodist Hall, High Street, Misterton, Doncaster DN10 4BU;
• Friday 30 January, 3-8pm – Gringley on the Hill Community Centre, West Wells Lane, Gringley on the Hill, Doncaster· DN10 4QY;
• Saturday 31 January, 10am-3pm – Clarborough Village Hall, Main Street, Clarborough, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 9LN;
• Monday 2 February, 10am-3pm – Laneham Memorial Hall, Main Street, Laneham, Retford DN22 0NG;
• Tuesday 17 February. 3-8pm – Sturton Hall and Conference Centre, Brickings Way, Sturton le Steeple, Retford DN22 9HY.

Click here for details of in-person events in Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire – copies of the documents can also be accessed at a range of public locations, including Bassetlaw District Council offices at Queen’s Buildings, Worksop and The Square, Retford.

STEP Fusion is one of the catalysts for Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward’s vision to position the East Midlands as a hub for clean energy and high-tech industries. The site at West Burton sits within the Trent Supercluster – one of the East Midlands Combined County Authority‘s seven key areas for spatial development. Already home to the STEP Fusion programme and the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facility at High Marnham, the Trent Supercluster will deliver a new era of green industry. Together, these projects will deliver an abundant mix of clean energy sources and strengthen the UK’s energy security.