UKAEA

Paul Methven, Step programme director at UKAEA, said: "Through the next phase of assessment, we look forward to working with the shortlisted sites and local communities to gain a more in-depth understanding of the socio-economic, commercial and technical conditions associated with each site, before we make our final recommendations to the secretary of state in 2022."

"Coming to Culham gives us the opportunity to benefit from UKAEA's expertise," said Christofer Mowry, the chief executive of General Fusion.

UKAEA's scientists now plan to test this new exhaust, which is called the Super-X divertor, at Mast Upgrade.

"I think fusion needs resources to really make it work," said Prof Ian Chapman from UKAEA.

Subsequent phases of the facility’s development, after 2024, would involve both public and private investment, says Ian Chapman, the Culham Centre's chief executive and head of the UKAEA.