The world’s first fusion energy-themed café was officially inaugurated today, marking a
milestone in public engagement with fusion energy science and technology.
The Fusion Energy Café, located within the Bridge Skills Hub, Worksop, aims to raise
awareness and increase knowledge of fusion energy in a welcoming setting.
Featuring interactive displays, themed décor, nourishing refreshments, and guest talks, the
space serves as a platform to inspire interest in fusion energy. It showcases fusion energy
as a sustainable, low carbon energy solution while highlighting its potential as a
transformative technology for the future.
Fusion is set to become a key industry for the area with the planned construction of the
STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) prototype fusion plant at the West Burton
site.
The Cafe’s opening is part of a broader effort to engage the local community in the
programme, which will create skills development opportunities and jobs for local people.
The opening ceremony was led by Climate Minister, Kerry McCarthy, who said: “The
Fusion Energy Café is a fantastic way to inspire a whole generation to learn more about this
groundbreaking technology and its potential to deliver safe, sustainable, and low-carbon
energy, helping us in our fight against climate change.
“This initiative, inspired by the development of the STEP prototype power plant at West
Burton, will not only help to drive progress in clean energy but also bring valuable skills, jobs,
and investment to the area.”
Cllr Jonathan Slater, Deputy Leader at Bassetlaw District Council, said: “We are
delighted to be working collaboratively with our partners on this groundbreaking venture to
raise awareness and knowledge about the opportunities that fusion energy, science, and
technology will bring to our communities.
“The Fusion Energy Cafe will provide a vital link in supporting the skills outreach learning for
STEP and STEM, (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) as we look to upskill
young people in the district, ready for a range of exciting employment opportunities in the
future.”
The Fusion Energy Café is funded by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
(UKAEA), Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) and North Notts Business Improvement District
(NNBID).
In addition to showcasing fusion energy, the café will provide work placements for individuals
with disabilities, those not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), and
individuals who have been long-term unemployed.
The Fusion Energy Café is proudly operated by local entrepreneur, Diana Kaponas.
Nick Walkden, Head of Fusion Skills at UKAEA, said: “We are proud to be working with
Bassetlaw District Council and North Notts Business Improvement District on this unique and
exciting community-focused initiative in Worksop.
“The Fusion Energy Café will highlight the potential of fusion energy to local communities,
particularly through the STEP Programme at West Burton, while advancing our commitment
to unlocking the social benefits fusion can bring.”
Sally Gillborn MBE, Chief Executive at North Notts BID, said: "The opening of the
Fusion Energy Café delivers on the commitment we outlined in our 2022-2027 business plan
to create a community cafe that will provide hands-on hospitality skills development and
working experience for people with learning difficulties.
“Through this collaboration with Bassetlaw District Council and UKAEA, and with Diana’s
support with the day-to-day running, we are excited to see how the presence of the Café at
the Skills Bridge Hub will grow as a space to educate the community on the fusion energy
industry, which will have an important role for employment opportunities in the future of the
district.”
The Café’s opening was preceded by Minister McCarthy’s visit to West Burton, the home of
STEP, where the UK’s first prototype fusion energy powerplant will be built, located near
Worksop.
Fusion energy has the potential to offer safe, sustainable and low carbon energy for
generations to come. It could be transformative for energy security and important in the fight
against climate change.
The Fusion Energy Café’s opening hours are: Monday – Friday, 08:30AM-17:00PM,
Saturday, 09:00AM to 15:00PM.
Pictured: Climate Minister Kerry McCarthy officially opening the Fusion Energy Café in the Bridge Skills Hub, Worksop. (Credit United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority).
Last Updated on Thursday, November 28, 2024