The Fusion Futures Industry Capability Impact Report 2025/2026 outlines how the UK is strengthening its position as a global leader in fusion energy through investment in industrial partnerships to increase supply chain capacity and capability. Fusion Futures Industry Capability is part of the wider Fusion Futures programme, which 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, with 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 over 75% of technical programme spending has been allocated to the supply chain, helping build long-term industrial capability in the UK fusion sector.
With more than £24 million invested, an increasing number of SMEs involved, and international partners engaged, the programme has not only contributed to accelerating technological readiness but has also cultivated the industry ecosystem required for future fusion power plant deployment. Although the programme will not continue in its current form in future years, UKAEA Group’s programmes and initiatives, including STEP Fusion, will continue to push for the development of the UK supply chain in alignment with UKAEA’s mission.
In summarising the programme’s impact over the past two years, there has been a deepening of industry engagement, leading 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, with the recently published Global Fusion Guide for SMEs (PDF, 2.5MB) being a key example.
The progress achieved this year provides a strong foundation for the next phase of national fusion delivery, positioning the UK to attract inward investment, unlock innovation, and maintain global leadership in delivering sustainable, commercially viable fusion energy.