Gloucestershire is one of four locations being considered as a base for a new fusion energy plant – the first of its kind in the UK – with residents in and around the county offered the chance to find out more about the ambitious plans at a series of drop-in sessions.
If the bid to set up the programme is successful, it could bring £220 million of government funding into the county as well as 31,000 jobs.
Drop-in sessions are due to be held at The Memorial Hall in Oldbury-On-Severn on Friday 4 February 2022, from 4pm to 7pm; Berkeley Town Hall on Monday 7 February 2022, from 5pm to 8pm; and Turnberries Community Centre in Thornbury on Wednesday 9 February 2022, from 3pm to 7pm.
The UK’s Atomic Energy Authority will also host an online webinar on Thursday 10 February 2022, from 6pm to 8pm.
Councillor Mark Hawthorne, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, said: ‘This is a once in a generation opportunity to be at the forefront of revolutionary technology that will also offer outstanding economic opportunities.’
Councillor Toby Savage, leader of South Gloucestershire Council, added: ‘Hosting the country’s first prototype fusion energy plant presents a fantastic opportunity for our area, both in terms of placing us at the forefront of renewable energy and securing significant numbers of highly skilled jobs.’
