The UK is committed to funding a leading nuclear fusion research facility after Brexit, the Business Secretary has said.
Greg Clark said the Government would commit to paying for its share of the flagship Joint European Torus (JET) project in Oxfordshire after the UK leaves the EU.
It is hoped the move will minimise uncertainty around the future of the facility following Brexit, and support 1,300 jobs.
The payment will be assured if the EU extends the UK’s contract to host the facility beyond 2018.
During business questions, Mr Clark said: “I can announce today that the Government’s commitment to underwrite the UK’s fair share for the Joint European Torus costs in nuclear research – leading nuclear fusion facility in Oxfordshire supporting 1,300 jobs – will be made.
“It is funded through a contract between the European Commission and the UK Atomic Energy Authority, and in making this commitment the Government hopes to provide the certainty and reassurance needed so that we can have a mutually beneficial extension of this contract.”
In a written statement, Mr Clark said the EU provides around £60 million of funding per year as part of the contract between the EU Commission and the UK Atomic Energy Authority – which accounts for 88% of the JET running costs.
He added: “The current JET contract is due to end in December 2018 and the EU Commission is currently considering a potential extension of the JET contract until at least the end of 2020.
“This extension is crucial to the future of JET, the researchers that work there and to ensuring the UK continues to lead the world in fusion technology and research.”
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