UK Fusion Energy planning framework opens for consultation

The UK’s draft fusion energy planning framework, EN-8, aims to give companies across the fusion sector the regulatory certainty to invest and scale

(Image courtesy of Tokamak Energy)

The UK government published EN-8, its draft National Policy Statement for Fusion Energy Generation, on June 8, 2026, opening a formal consultation that runs until August 17. Produced by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, EN-8 gives fusion infrastructure a dedicated planning framework, placing it within the same planning regime as other major energy technologies and streamlining how development consent applications will be assessed. The policy provides the planning certainty the industry needs to bring forward projects with confidence.

EN-8 sets out a fusion-specific planning regime

EN-8 operates alongside the Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy (EN-1), updated in 2025, which designates low carbon energy infrastructure as a Critical National Priority. Fusion now sits within that designation. The statement establishes nineteen specific assessment considerations for fusion projects, grouped across Environmental, Safety & Security, Operational, and Developmental themes. Applicants must address all nineteen to obtain development consent from the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The document applies to fusion energy infrastructure in England and Wales with electrical generating capacity above 50 MW and 350 MW respectively. It covers any approach that uses the process of fusion to generate energy. EN-8 confirms that no population density restriction applies to fusion siting decisions – a position the government established in July 2025 following a prior consultation. Applicants may also request that smaller-scale projects, including research facilities and demonstrators, are directed into the nationally significant infrastructure project regime.

STEP, supply chain, and the road to industrial scaling

The NPS frames its arrival within the context of substantial existing government commitment. The 2026 UK Fusion Strategy sets out the government’s objective to accelerate growth of the UK fusion industry, building on over £2.5 billion in fusion research and development investment. Within that, the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) prototype – backed by £1.3 billion in funding and to be delivered by UK Fusion Energy at West Burton – is identified as the central vehicle for developing industrial scaling capability and supply chain readiness.

The NPS also cites the 2025 Clean Energy Industries Sector Plan, which estimates the global fusion market at up to £12 trillion and identified fusion as a priority sub-sector for well-paid UK jobs and export opportunities. On safety and waste, EN-8 states that radioactive waste from fusion facilities is expected to fall into Low or Intermediate Level Waste categories, and that research suggests fusion energy infrastructure presents very low radiological risk. The document identifies co-location with sectors such as AI data centres as a route to maximising socioeconomic benefits through shared cooling systems, network connections, and high-skilled employment.

Responses to the consultation can be submitted online or by email to DESNZ before August 17, 2026.

Stay ahead in the fusion revolution explore more breakthroughs from leading innovators in clean energy technology.