Fusion rather than fission for Dounreay says Far North MP who backs ‘ultimate energy solution’ for Caithness nuclear site
Far north MP, Jamie Stone, has asked the UK Government to consider the potential for fusion energy at Dounreay's nuclear site.
Dounreay was the site of the UK’s first fission reactor. Today, it employs nearly 2000 people, of which about 1232 live locally. There are also around 700 supply chain workers at the site – making it a huge and largely supported local employer.
With a fully licensed site, Mr Stone has pushed the Government to commit to bringing fusion to the Highlands. Fusion is largely considered to produce four times more energy per kilogram of fuel than fission, and nearly four million times more energy than burning oil or coal.
Commenting, Mr Stone said: “Today, we have a highly skilled workforce, a licensed site and a local population that warmly supports the nuclear industry at Dounreay. What’s more, the advent of Dounreay not only halted the depopulation that had been the curse of the Highlands but actually reversed it. That is the power of such a significant local employer.
“Fusion has huge potential, not just for Dounreay but for the country as a whole. It is the ultimate energy solution and I’d like to see the Government capitalise on this and help bring fusion to our site in Caithness.
“That’s why I have written to the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, encouraging her to visit Dounreay and see the potential of the facility first-hand.”
