The world’s first fusion energy-themed café was officially inaugurated today, Thursday 28th November 2024, marking a milestone in public engagement with fusion energy science and technology.
The Fusion Energy Café, located within the Bridge Skills Hub, Worksop, aims to raise awareness and increase knowledge of fusion energy in a welcoming setting. Featuring interactive displays, themed décor, nourishing refreshments, and guest talks, the space serves as a platform to inspire interest in fusion energy. It showcases fusion energy as a sustainable, low carbon energy solution while highlighting its potential as a transformative technology for the future.
The Fusion Energy Café is funded by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), North Notts BID and Bassetlaw District Council. The Fusion Energy Café is proudly operated by local entrepreneur, Diana Kaponas. In addition to offering training in catering and hospitality, the café will provide work placements for individuals with disabilities, those not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), and individuals who have been long-term unemployed.
Nick Walkden, Head of Fusion Skills at UKAEA, said: “We are proud to be working with Bassetlaw District Council and North Notts Business Improvement District on this unique and exciting community-focused initiative in Worksop. “The Fusion Energy Café will highlight the potential of fusion energy to local communities, particularly through the STEP Programme at West Burton, while advancing our commitment to unlocking the social benefits fusion can bring.”
The café’s opening was preceded by Minister McCarthy’s visit to West Burton, the home of STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), where the UK’s first prototype fusion energy powerplant will be built, located near Worksop. Fusion energy has the potential to offer safe, sustainable and low carbon energy for generations to come. It could be transformative for energy security and important in the fight against climate change.
Sally Gillborn MBE, chief executive at North Notts BID, said: “The opening of the Fusion Energy Café delivers on the commitment we outlined in our 2022-2027 business plan to create a community cafe that will provide hands-on hospitality skills development and working experience for people with learning difficulties. “Through this collaboration with Bassetlaw District Council and UKAEA, and with Diana’s support with the day-to-day running, we are excited to see how the presence of the café at the Skills Bridge Hub will grow as a space to educate the community on the fusion energy industry, which will have an important role for employment opportunities in the future of the district.”
The Fusion Energy Café’s opening hours are: Monday – Friday, 08:30AM-17:00PM, Saturday, 09:00AM to 15:00PM.
