A construction partner has been confirmed for the £200m redevelopment of the former West Burton Power Station in Nottinghamshire, with the ILIOS consortium—led by Kier Group and Nuvia—selected to deliver the UK’s first prototype fusion energy plant.
The consortium, which also includes AL_A, AECOM and Turner & Townsend, secured the contract following a competitive procurement process. Rival bidders included the Inovus Infrastructure team—featuring Balfour Beatty and Vinci alongside AtkinsRealis, Mott MacDonald and WSP—as well as a joint venture between Ferrovial and Mace.
Simon Matthews, programme director for ILIOS, said: “This is a significant milestone in the UK’s transition to clean energy.
“Following an extensive and collaborative procurement stage, we are proud to be selected as construction partner and to be part of this innovative and transformative chapter in energy supply.
“We will help advance the UK’s future energy resilience and decarbonisation ambitions, supporting economic and regional growth, high-quality jobs and the development of a long-term, UK-based, fusion supply chain.”
The project forms a central part of the UK’s fusion energy ambitions, with the redevelopment of the West Burton site intended to create a major hub for advanced energy research and infrastructure.
UK Fusion Energy CEO Paul Methven added: “The appointment of ILIOS as our Construction Partner marks a significant milestone.
“Their combined experience in major infrastructure, safety critical engineering and complex site transformation gives us real confidence as we move from planning into delivery.
“This partnership will help ensure that West Burton becomes a leading centre of fusion innovation and a cornerstone of the UK’s future clean energy landscape.”
Under the agreement, ILIOS will take responsibility for all aspects of construction at the West Burton site. This includes acting as principal design and build contractor, delivering construction works under STEP leadership, managing early enabling works and coordinating design integration across civil engineering, buildings and wider site infrastructure.
The consortium will also oversee supply chains, logistics and programme sequencing, while ensuring compliance with safety, sustainability and quality requirements. Its role extends across the full delivery programme, supporting the development of the prototype fusion plant through to its planned operation in 2040.
