Kier lands £200m West Burton nuclear plant
A consortium called ILIOS, a Kier Nuvia joint venture with AECOM, architects AL_A and Turner & Townsend, has been appointed by UK Fusion Energy to deliver the first three‑year, £200m part of the STEP fusion programme.
The appointment covers the design and build of a prototype fusion power plant in the Nottinghamshire and forms part of a wider programme with future opportunities valued at up to £10bn.
STEP Fusion, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is the UK’s fusion energy programme, aiming to provide a sustainable energy source.
Simon Matthews, programme director for ILIOS, said: “Following an extensive and collaborative procurement stage, we are proud to be selected as construction partner for the STEP programme and to be part of this innovative and transformative chapter in energy supply.”
UK Fusion Energy, previously known as UK Industrial Fusion Solutions, is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
The programme aims to deliver a commercially viable fusion power plant at West Burton by 2040.
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ILIOS has experience from major national infrastructure, high hazard civil engineering, nuclear sector delivery, complex scientific and energy facilities.
The West Burton construction project is expected to support up to 8,000 jobs on site, creating opportunities for local residents and businesses as well as employment and training opportunities, including apprenticeships, and helping to anchor long-term economic growth.
Paul Methven, CEO of UK Fusion Energy, said: “The appointment of ILIOS as our construction partner marks a significant milestone for the STEP Programme. Their combined experience in major infrastructure, safety critical engineering and complex site transformation gives us real confidence as we move from planning into delivery. This partnership will help ensure that West Burton becomes a leading centre of fusion innovation and a cornerstone of the UK’s future clean energy landscape.”
