UK-Canada cooperation on fusion energy: memorandum of understanding
Published 14 February 2024
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The United Kingdom and Canada have today (14 February 2024) confirmed a new partnership on fusion energy, signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the UK Department of Energy Security and Net Zero and Natural Resources Canada.
The MoU, which was signed by Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho and Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson at the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Ministerial Meeting, will enhance collaboration on key areas of focus, including research and development, regulatory harmonisation, and skills and workforce development.
Fusion involves mixing two forms of hydrogen and heating them to extreme temperatures, causing them to combine and release energy which is then harnessed to generate electricity. The energy generated from fusion is many million times more efficient than burning coal, oil or gas and could generate a near unlimited supply of clean electricity - transforming global efforts to reach net zero and deliver long-term energy independence.
This new collaboration with a key international partner builds on the announcement of the UK-US Strategic Partnership on Fusion Energy in November 2023 and will support the UK’s £650 million Fusion Futures programme, which is ensuring the UK remains at the cutting-edge of innovation - with training opportunities and dedicated funding for fusion companies.
The announcement of this partnership also coincides with a new collaboration agreement announced today between the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL).
The UKAEA-CNL agreement establishes a framework in which the two organisations will conduct joint research projects, facilitate personnel secondments, share expertise for consultancy services, and work together to provide services to the fusion industry.