The UK government announced on 8 June it is introducing draft legislation to parliament that marks “a major milestone” in creating the conditions for nuclear fusion to move from research to commercial deployment.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said the Draft National Policy Statement for Fusion Energy Generation sees the UK become the first country to publish specific planning policy for fusion.

The draft legislation aims to ensure the planning system in England and Wales is ready to support future fusion energy projects, the DESNZ said. It supports growth of the UK fusion industry and reinforces the UK’s position as “a leading destination for fusion investment”.