North Nottinghamshire, once a centre for coal mining and electricity generation, is now leading the development of fusion energy in the UK through the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP), which aims to build the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant, targeting 2040.
Led by partners from the UK Atomic Energy Authority, Bassetlaw District Council and Maker{Futures} at the University of Sheffield, the year-long STEP Forward project, starting summer 2025, will work with local engineers, children and young people to collaborate and design a series of engineering based practical projects to engage over 600 primary school children from 20 schools across the region. These resources will become a sustainable resource for use by the project stakeholders and schools as part of a strategic, long-term approach to skills development for the region.
New Scientist Live Event showing a Plasma Ball