Have your say on the future of clean energy
STEP Fusion’s first stage of public consultation is now live, and runs from 14 January through to 11 March 2026
Introduction
STEP Fusion is the UK’s programme to design and build the first prototype fusion power plant at West Burton, Nottinghamshire. Fusion is a safe, carbon-free energy source that could provide abundant clean power for generations to come. Because STEP Fusion is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), it requires a Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008 before construction can begin.
Who is leading the process?
The DCO process is being led by UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd (UKIFS), a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. UKIFS is responsible for securing all necessary consents, permits, and licences to build and operate the prototype fusion power plant and its associated infrastructure.
What is a DCO?
A Development Consent Order is a single, streamlined planning consent for large infrastructure projects in England and Wales. It combines multiple permissions into one legal document, granting powers to construct and operate the project. For STEP Fusion, the DCO will cover the prototype plant and associated development such as roads, utilities, and river handling facilities.
What the DCO will cover
The DCO will include:
Permanent development
The fusion plant, control room, fuel cycle facilities, cooling water systems, electrical infrastructure, offices, security, and emergency facilities.
Associated developmenT
Temporary works for construction, park-and-ride sites, haul roads, river and rail handling facilities.
Environmental and community measures
Plans to minimise impacts and deliver benefits for local people.
How the DCO informs STEP
The DCO process ensures that the programme meets legal, environmental, and safety standards. Feedback from consultation will shape design principles, transport strategies, workforce plans, and community benefits. It provides a clear regulatory pathway to construction and operation.
Public involvement
Public consultation is central to the DCO process. This is your opportunity to help shape the proposals and influence how STEP is delivered.
You can:
- Attend in-person and online events.
- View documents on this site and at local deposit locations.
- Submit feedback via online forms, email, or freepost.
Your views matter. They will help us refine our plans and ensure STEP delivers benefits for the local community.
Consultation Timeline
Stage 1
Jan–Mar 2026
Stage 2
EXPECTED 2027
Stage 3
EXPECTED 2028
Where the consultations will take place
We are hosting events across the region so you can find out more, meet the team and give your views on our proposals.
| Date / Time | Event | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 14 January 10am – 3pm | Sturton Hall & Conference Centre | Brickings Way, Sturton le Steeple, Retford DN22 9HY ///technical.slimy.names |
| Thursday 15 January 3pm – 8pm | The Venue at Roses (Roses Sports Ground) | North Warren Road, Gainsborough DN21 2TU ///thudding.defeated.scornful |
| Friday 16 January 10am – 3pm | North & South Wheatley Village Hall | Sturton Road, South Wheatley, Retford DN22 9DH ///scooped.imprints.deserved |
| Saturday 17 January 11am – 4pm | Bawtry Town Hall | Peake’s Croft, Bawtry, Doncaster DN10 6PU ///sector.speaks.refrained |
| Tuesday 20 January 11:30am – 4:30pm | Lea Village Hall | Rectory Lane, Gainsborough DN21 5JA ///magically.crumbles.party |
| Wednesday 21 January 3pm – 8pm | South Leverton Memorial Institute | Town Street, South Leverton, Retford DN22 0BT ///foster.relegate.earliest |
| Thursday 22 January 3pm – 8pm | Hallcroft Community Hall | Hallcroft Community Centre, Randall Way, Retford, DN22 7GR ///waters.poem.questions |
| Wednesday 28 January 10am – 3pm | Misterton Methodist Hall | 52 High Street, Misterton, Doncaster DN10 4BU ///crockery.longer.lingering |
| Thursday 29 January 10am – 3pm | Sturton by Stow Village Hall | High Street, Sturton by Stow, Lincoln LN1 2AX ///lifelong.grinders.grownup |
| Friday 30 January 3pm – 8pm | Gringley on the Hill Community Centre | W Wells Ln, Gringley on the Hill, Doncaster DN10 4QY ///defensive.enormous.dummy |
| Saturday 31 January 10am – 3pm | Clarborough Village Hall | Main Street, Clarborough, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 9LN ///mouths.segregate.elevator |
| Monday 2 February 10am – 3pm | Laneham Memorial Hall | Main Street, Laneham, Retford DN22 0NG ///headers.dare.swordfish |
| Tuesday 17 February 3pm – 8pm | Sturton Hall & Conference Centre | Brickings Way, Sturton le Steeple, Retford, DN22 9HY ///technical.slimy.names |
what happens after consultation
The DCO process ensures that the programme meets legal, environmental, and safety standards. Feedback from consultation will shape design principles, transport strategies, workforce accommodation plans, and community benefits. It provides a clear regulatory pathway to construction and operation.
