UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) has appointed Paul Methven as CEO to oversee the delivery of STEP, a prototype fusion energy plant in Nottinghamshire. UKIFS, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), aims to commercialise fusion energy and potentially develop a global fleet of fusion powerplants. Methven, who joined the STEP programme in 2020 from the Ministry of Defence, will work towards delivering a fusion reactor by 2040. Fusion energy, which mimics the processes powering the sun and stars, could provide safe, sustainable, low carbon energy for future generations.
New CEO for UK Industrial Fusion Solutions
Paul Methven has been appointed as the first CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS), a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). This announcement was made by Andrew Bowie MP, the Minister for Nuclear and Networks. Methven’s role will be to oversee the delivery of the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) – a prototype fusion energy plant to be constructed in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.
Paul Methven brings a wealth of experience to the programme, having previously worked as Director of Submarine Acquisition at the Submarine Delivery Agency, part of the Ministry of Defence. He was also the Programme Director for Dreadnought, the UK’s second largest major programme after HS2. His role will involve managing the complex engineering programmes associated with STEP and leading diverse teams in public-private partnerships.
The STEP Programme and Fusion Energy
The STEP programme is a significant part of the UK’s Fusion Strategy, aiming to commercialise fusion energy and potentially develop a series of future fusion power plants globally. This would ensure the UK’s continued prominence in this emerging industry and new technology. Fusion energy, which is based on the same processes that power the sun and stars, has the potential to deliver safe, sustainable, low carbon energy for future generations.
Economic Impact and Regional Benefits
During his visit to the future site of STEP in West Burton, Minister Bowie highlighted the wider benefits the programme will bring to the region. The STEP programme is expected to drive economic growth and create a vibrant industrial base. It will also stimulate the development of future fusion skills and the global deployment of fusion energy.
Science Behind Fusion Energy
Fusion energy involves heating a mix of two forms of hydrogen to extreme temperatures – 10 times hotter than the core of the sun. These elements then fuse together to create helium and release vast amounts of energy. Fusion energy has the potential to provide ‘baseload’ power, complementing renewable and other low carbon energy sources as a share of many countries’ energy portfolios. Achieving this involves working at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology.
“Minister for Nuclear and Networks, Andrew Bowie, said: “The STEP programme is at the heart of our Fusion Strategy – key to making the potential of new fusion energy a commercial reality, and to drive economic growth. Paul Methven will bring a wealth of experience to the programme, working to deliver a fusion reactor by 2040 and to cement the UK’s place at the front of the global race to develop this cutting-edge technology.”
Professor Sir Ian Chapman, Group CEO of UKAEA, said: “STEP has the potential to be a revolutionary programme, but it is highly complex and involves great uncertainties. It needs a brilliant CEO who can manage such complex engineering programmes and grow and unite a national endeavour to deliver fusion. I’m delighted that, in Paul Methven, we have secured exactly that – a brilliant leader with a track record of working in complex major programmes that matter to the country and leading diverse teams in public-private partnerships. I am excited to work with Paul and his team to deliver STEP and make fusion power a reality.”
Professor David Gann CBE, Chair of UKIFS, said: “The appointment of the inaugural CEO for UKIFS marks an important milestone as we strive to generate electricity from fusion, which will provide a huge economic opportunity for the UK. I look forward to working closely with Paul and the STEP team to ensure the programme stimulates a vibrant industrial base alongside the development of future fusion skills and the global deployment of fusion energy.”
Quick Summary
The UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS) has appointed Paul Methven as CEO to oversee the delivery of STEP, a prototype fusion energy plant in Nottinghamshire, aiming to commercialise fusion energy and potentially develop a global fleet of fusion powerplants. Fusion energy, which mimics the processes that power the sun and stars, could provide safe, sustainable, low carbon ‘baseload’ power, complementing other renewable energy sources.
- UK Minister for Nuclear and Networks, Andrew Bowie MP, has announced Paul Methven as the inaugural CEO of UK Industrial Fusion Solutions (UKIFS).
- UKIFS, a subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), will be responsible for the delivery of STEP, a prototype fusion energy plant in West Burton, Nottinghamshire.
- The STEP programme aims to commercialise fusion energy and potentially develop a global fleet of fusion powerplants.
- Methven, who joined the STEP programme in 2020 from the Ministry of Defence, will work towards delivering a fusion reactor by 2040.
- Fusion energy, which involves heating two forms of hydrogen to extreme temperatures to create helium and release energy, could provide safe, sustainable, low carbon energy for future generations.
- The STEP programme is part of the UK’s strategy to remain at the forefront of this emerging industry and drive economic growth.
