Caithness 'ideally placed' as nuclear fusion power station plans take a step forward
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Plans for Caithness to host the world's first nuclear fusion power station have moved forward with news that the idea has been selected for further investigation.
A bid to host the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype fusion power plant was submitted by Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP) in March.
It has now been included in a list of 15 sites to be investigated further by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), which launched the open call in December last year.
CNSRP chairman Ian Ross insists Caithness is "ideally placed" for the venture and says it would "dovetail perfectly" with the Dounreay decommissioning programme.
Those backing the Caithness bid say that if the development goes ahead it could create hundreds of high-quality jobs locally, drive wider economic growth and attract further investment to the region.
They describe fusion technology as "one of the world’s most efficient, cleanest and lowest-carbon forms of energy".
It seeks to replicate the energy production process of the sun by fusing hydrogen into helium, producing huge amounts of clean energy, with "virtually no emissions or waste".
The project would ultimately produce electricity for the national grid and could be instrumental in achieving Scotland’s net-zero targets and a carbon-neutral economy.
“This is a great opportunity for Caithness and north Sutherland," Mr Ross said.
"We already have significant expertise in highly regulated, technically challenging developments. We also have an existing supply chain, a welcoming community and support from all CNSRP member organisations.
“The fusion prototype development would dovetail perfectly with the decommissioning of Dounreay and complement our area’s existing wind and tidal forms of renewable energy generation.
“All of this and more means Caithness is ideally placed to host this development and make sure it delivers widespread long-term economic and community benefits, as well as wider progress towards the country’s net-zero targets.
“I am delighted we have made it to the next stage and look forward to working with the UKAEA on evaluating our bid.”
In March, Highland councillors gave unanimous backing to the Caithness bid.
Dounreay Stakeholder Group chairman Struan Mackie had said earlier there was "overwhelming support" for the idea. He highlighted the area’s "world-class workforce" and the strength of the supply chain.
Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, has said the project would represent "a major investment in the region's economy".
Full assessment of sites will be based on a set of social, commercial and technical criteria, taking around two years to complete. A recommendation will then be made to the UK secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy.
Communities submitting nominations need to demonstrate that their local area has the right mix of social, commercial and technical conditions to host the plant – such as adequate land conditions, grid connection and water supply.
The successful site will be home to the construction of the plant, targeted for completion by 2040, and will become a global hub for fusion energy and associated industries.
The programme follows the Prime Minister’s 10-point plan for a green industrial revolution and the UK’s ambition to be the first country in the world to commercialise fusion energy technology, with £222 million allocated to begin the STEP design work.
