Fusion energy: environmental regulation

How fusion energy is regulated in England and how to find out about environmental permits and other activities at fusion sites in England.

The Environment Agency regulates fusion activities in England with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Fusion is the reaction that powers the sun and all other stars. It happens when 2 light nuclei (hydrogen) combine to form a heavier nucleus (helium). This process releases a huge amount of energy.

To produce energy from fusion on Earth, these nuclei (usually isotopes of hydrogen, deuterium and tritium) are heated to around 150 million degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, they form a gas of charged particles known as plasma and the atoms can fuse together.

A fusion machine uses the energy released from the fusion reaction to generate electricity.

The UK government’s delivery body for fusion energy is the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). Their website provides more information on:

How fusion energy is regulated in England

In 2022, the government response to a consultation confirmed that future fusion energy facilities will be regulated under the legal framework already in place for fusion.

The Environment Agency regulates fusion activities in England with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The Environment Agency is the independent environmental regulator.

The Environment Agency protects people and the environment as they enable the safe, sustainable and innovative growth of the UK fusion sector. In line with government commitments, their approach is ready for the next evolution of fusion developments through a regulatory framework that is both enabling and proportionate.