Move will accelerate plans for ‘clean, secure energy’
The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Japan’s National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST) have signed a memorandum of cooperation to deepen collaboration in fusion energy development.
Coinciding with the recent visit to the UK by Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi, the agreement builds on the UK-Japan fusion memorandum of cooperation agreed in June 2025, reflecting both nations’ shared ambition to accelerate the development of fusion.
The new agreement establishes a framework for joint research, engineering development and knowledge exchange to address key scientific and engineering challenges related to commercially deployable fusion energy.
Areas of collaboration could include fusion core and plant technologies, plant design, operation and maintenance, fuel cycle, regulation, standards and skills development.
UKAEA and QST will also look into affordability and commercial viability.
Lord Vallance, the UK’s minister for science, innovation, research and nuclear, said the agreement marks a significant step in accelerating progress towards clean, secure energy.
UKAEA chief executive officer Tim Bestwick said fusion energy is a global challenge that requires international collaboration.
