Energy

Our dynamic region boasts all the essential elements of a world-class innovation ecosystem. With a flourishing environment for business creation and innovation, Oxfordshire provides the perfect breeding ground for groundbreaking ideas.

Our county is at the heart of the UK’s energy development. This region has all the key ingredients of a global centre for energy innovation, including:

• Thriving energy clusters
• Successful businesses
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Long history of energy development
• World-leading experts
• A dynamic, agile, and skilled workforce.
• A global hub for energy investors.

With an established track record of attracting investment from around the world, Oxfordshire has secured over 340 foreign direct investments at a value of over £3.1 billion in the last seven years (as of 2024).

Foreign-backed energy solutions companies which have expanded or established operations recently include Nexeon, Tokamak Energy, General Fusion, Faradion, Fortescue, First Light Fusion and Rimac Energy.

Energy solutions are playing a major part in making Oxfordshire a world-class innovation ecosystem.

Find out more on how Oxfordshire is leading the global charge in energy solutions and advances:

DOWNLOAD: Oxfordshire for energy

The recently-closed Joint European Torus (JET) was a magnetically confined plasma physics experiment, based at Culham Science Campus.

What Oxfordshire has to offer:

At the forefront of energy research, the Faraday Institution acts as a vital link between 20 universities and 30 industry partners, fostering collaboration and driving progress. Additionally, Harwell boasts internationally renowned assets, including the Diamond Light Source, the Rosalind Franklin Institute, the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency, and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

The Science & Technology Facilities Council at Harwell plays a crucial role in supporting companies across various sectors by leveraging world-class science facilities, such as the Diamond Light Source. By overcoming complex challenges in product development and manufacturing, this collaboration accelerates innovation and improves processes and products.

Culham Science Centre is another key player in Oxfordshire’s energy research and innovation landscape. Home to the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, this national fusion energy laboratory is making significant strides in clean, green energy solutions.

UKAEA’s recently-closed Joint European Torus (JET) was the largest and most powerful tokamak in the world, while the Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak (MAST) further enhances our fusion capabilities. Collaborating with these cutting-edge institutions opens up exciting opportunities for breakthroughs in fusion energy research and technology.

The Culham-based Materials Research Facility provides affordable and convenient access for researchers from various fields, including fission, fusion, and other related programs. By bridging the gap between university and nuclear licensed site laboratories, this facility contributes to advancements in materials science.