The Fusion Futures Industry Capability Impact Report 2025 to 2026 outlines how the UK is strengthening its position as a global leader in fusion energy. This is through investment in industrial partnerships to increase supply chain capacity and capability. Fusion Futures Industry Capability is part of the wider Fusion Futures programme. It is backed by significant government funding to maintain momentum in fusion innovation.
A major theme of the report is industrial growth. More than 200 industry partners have been engaged, hundreds of contracts awarded to UK companies and millions of pounds directed towards SMEs and technical projects. These projects cover critical technologies such as plasma control systems, robotics, diagnostics, advanced manufacturing, and tritium fuel handling. The report highlights that the supply chain have received over 75% of technical programme spending. This helps build long-term industrial capability in the UK fusion sector.
The programme has contributed to accelerating technological readiness with more than £24 million invested, an increase in SMEs involved and international partners engaged. It has also cultivated the industry ecosystem required for future fusion power plant deployment.
The programme will not continue in its current form in future years. However, UKAEA Group’s programmes and initiatives, including STEP Fusion, will continue to push for the development of the UK supply chain. This aligns with UKAEA’s mission.
The programme’s impact over the past two years has been a deepening of industry engagement. This has lead to significant growth in the capability and capacity required to develop future fusion power plants. The programme also leaves a legacy of support for SMEs and recently published Global Fusion Guide for SMEs .
The progress achieved this year provides a strong foundation for the next phase of national fusion delivery. It positions the UK to attract inward investment, unlock innovation, and maintain global leadership in delivering sustainable, commercially viable fusion energy.