Thursday, 7 September 2023
First Light Fusion welcomes the announcement today that the UK will associate to Horizon Europe and Copernicus programmes through a bespoke new agreement with the EU. As part of the agreement, the UK has decided to pursue a domestic fusion energy strategy instead of associating to the EU’s Euratom programme. This will involve close international collaboration, including with European partners, and a new, cutting-edge alternative programme, backed by up to £650m to 2027.
Dr. Nick Hawker, Co-founder & CEO of First Light Fusion, said:
“We welcome today’s announcement on Horizon Europe.
“The launch of a renewed UK fusion energy strategy is a demonstrable, material sign of continued Government support for UK fusion.
“We believe the Government shares our vision not just for the vast potential of fusion and the key role it will have in addressing climate change, but also in the clear potential for the UK to become world leaders in the development of this critical technology.
“We look forward to seeing more detail about how Government will look to deploy this funding and ensuring we have a diverse approach to the strategy, backing a broad range of activities, which will accelerate the journey towards making commercial fusion a reality.
“The recent milestone from the National Ignition Facility, demonstrating Gain for the first time and now repeating and improving that initial result, shows that the science of inertial fusion works. We are entering the commercial era of fusion energy. First Light Fusion have a clear pathway to commercial fusion energy. With continued Government support, this journey can be accelerated.
“We are working hard towards our Net Energy Gain facility (read more here) while still progressing our plan for a pilot plant. This announcement is therefore timely and gives us confidence in knowing we have the backing of the Government to deliver our vision.”
ENDS
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