Fusion energy at COP26

Fusion energy promises a step change in the way the world’s future energy demands are met in a low-carbon, safe and sustainable way.

That will be the message from scientists and engineers from the fusion energy community to world leaders meeting in Glasgow at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 conference.

UKAEA will be running a series of events at COP to tell policymakers and other delegates about fusion and its place in the future energy mix.

On Friday 12th November, the last day of the conference, an international panel is inviting world leaders to look towards a fusion-powered future. The panel, in the UK Pavilion, will be led by Bernard Bigot, Director General of the ITER international fusion project, and speakers will include UKAEA’s Director of Materials, Amanda Quadling. The event is at 11.30am-12.30pm and will be livestreamed at: https://youtu.be/v2WdlxZqLYM

The previous day, the same panel, plus British astronaut Tim Peake, will appear at a side event at the University of Edinburgh from 2.00-3.00pm. The panel discussion will give local students the chance to ask the experts about fusion. A livestream will be available here.

For COP26’s ‘Youth Day’ on 5th November, UKAEA scientist Chantal Nobs will take part in an International Atomic Energy Agency event. ‘Net Zero Beyond 2050’ will particularly focus on the young generation’s role in fusion energy research and innovation, followed by a Q&A session. Details and livestream here.

Throughout the conference, UKAEA and international research partners from the private sector will have a fusion exhibit in the ‘Green Zone’ at the Glasgow Science Centre, allowing members of the public to find out about fusion energy.

Stay in touch with all our COP26 events by following UKAEA’s social media at @UKAEAofficial.