Western Gateway | Landing page

Bringing STEP to Severn Edge

Sitting at the centre of the Western Gateway, the Severn Edge bid aims to bring the UK’s first prototype Fusion plant to the area. Our bid offers the best chance of unlocking this clean, green and safe energy whilst also investing in local communities.

What is STEP?

The Western Gateway Partnership is spear-heading a bid to secure the UK’s prototype fusion energy plant (STEP). If successful the bid would create an extra £3.5 billion of output, £1.36 billion in GVA and over 30,000 jobs for the area.

STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) is the UKAEA’s ambitious programme to deliver a prototype fusion energy plant putting the UK on a path to being able to use this clean, green and safe fuel.

UK Government is expected to announce the successful bid in December 2022

Our bid would help to rejuvenate communities around two decommissioned plants and provide vital opportunities to level up communities across England and Wales who are at risk of being left behind. The Western Gateway gives STEP the access it needs to expertise across fusion research, construction, engineering and digital skills in order to make sure the UK stays at the forefront of developing this clean, green and safe fuel to help the world tackle climate change.

Cllr Toby Savage and Cllr Mark Hawthorne,

Leaders of South Gloucestershire Council and Gloucestershire County Council and Western Gateway Partnership board members

Why Severn Edge?

Severn Edge is the only bid that bridges two countries within the United Kingdom, providing new opportunities for communities on both sides of the Severn, levelling up those at risk of being left behind.

Our area has the expertise needed from advanced engineering, construction, manufacturing and high-temperature science to digital and cyber technology. All this is powered by innovative research and design and our world-leading universities.

The bid is backed by a diverse team of people including academic experts, industry specialists, supply chain partners, politicians and local people.

Severn Edge has unrivalled transport links, proximity to diverse neighbouring cities and access to areas of natural beauty, making Severn Edge a brilliant place to live and work.

The world needs effective energy solutions like fusion to tackle climate change. The Western Gateway area provides the people and ideal site to ensure the UK is a world leader in developing this vital energy.

Our Partners

Magnox

Nuclear Decommissioning Agency

West of England Local Enterprise Partnership

Stroud District Council

Nuclear South West

Business West

West of England Combined Authority

Gloucestershire County Council

South West Nuclear Hub

Horizon Nuclear Power

South Gloucestershire and Stroud College

GFirst LEP

South Gloucestershire Council

Pledge your support. Back the Severn Edge bid

Severn Edge is one of 5 shortlisted bids to host the UK’s first STEP fusion prototype plant. The winning bid will be announced at the end of 2022. The Severn Edge STEP fusion bid is an incredible opportunity for the people and businesses across the Western Gateway. The competition is strong and we need all the support we can get to demonstrate that Severn Edge is the perfect place for STEP. Give us your support or comments using the boxes below. Back our bid and help us bring STEP fusion to Severn Edge.