Contract extension ensures operations at JET regardless of Brexit outcome

The world’s largest operational fusion project will continue operations until the end of 2020 - and potentially beyond – following the signing of a contract extension that secures at least €100m in EU funding.

The new contract guarantees operations at the Joint European Torus (JET) in Oxfordshire regardless of the outcome of Brexit.

JET is operated by the UK Atomic Energy Authority at Culham Science Centre. Scientists from 28 European countries use it to conduct research into the potential for fusion energy in the future, through work coordinated by the EUROfusion consortium which manages and funds European fusion research activities on behalf of Euratom.

The future of the facility has been under discussion since 2017, as its work is covered by the Euratom Treaty, which the UK government intends to leave as part of Brexit.