JET continues to fly with post-Brexit funding

The government has committed to its share of funding for the Joint European Torus (JET) project until the end of 2020, provided the EU extends the UK’s contract to host the JET research facility beyond 2018.

Key to nuclear fusion research

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “JET is a prized facility at the centre of the UK’s global leadership in nuclear fusion research, which is why the government is taking every possible step to secure its future and to maintain highly skilled jobs in the UK.

“Combined with our industrial strategy and investment of £4.7bn for research and development, today’s funding commitment highlights the importance we place on this partnership and our desire for this valuable work to continue uninterrupted.”

Energy expert analysis

The government’s stance on the JET project, based at Culham, is encouraging but does highlight the current issues around leaving the Euratom Treaty as part of the Brexit process. Clearly it is important to have an internationally recognised arrangement for the safe and secure management of radioactive materials and processes.

Alastair Fells MEI, Incorporated Eng, PG Dip Fuel Tech, BSc Hons

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