Overview

Capable of providing abundant safe, secure and zero carbon energy with relatively little radioactive waste, fusion is the holy grail of energy generation. 

Our market leading nuclear expertise and experience with novel energy technologies positions us ideally to support this game-changing technology.

We are committed to developing long-term relationships with our fusion clients (project sponsors, developers and technology vendors) and have a unique understanding of the regulatory environment and a leading environmental practice.

Our lawyers participate in the International Nuclear Law Association and Nuclear Industry Association fusion groups. Ian Salter is an invited member of the International Group of Legal Experts on Fusion Energy (or FELEX), a small group of leading lawyers in the fusion sector representing lawyers from international agencies (e.g. IAEA), fusion companies, regulators and law firms, which provides thought leadership, legal and regulatory expertise and guidance regarding the development of fusion energy and emerging international law.

We have also produced a comprehensive Guide to Nuclear Law, now in its second edition and one of only a few texts on this subject in the world.

 Areas of focus

  • The regulation of fusion in the UK, the international law context and regulatory justification
  • Corporate structures and financing
  • Sanctions and export controls
  • Consenting including planning and environmental
  • Intellectual property
  • Siting
  • Construction and commercial contracts
  • Procurement and subsidy control
 
Experience

Advising the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in relation to the development of the STEP Project which includes advising on corporate structure, the regulatory framework for fusion in the UK, siting, consenting, project development and procurement.

We are instructed separately to advise the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority in relation to a regulatory justification.

We advise Fusion 4 Energy in relation to the European Union’s contribution to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor at Cadarache in the south of France.

Advising UKAEA on the Fusion Foundations Programme to create the structures for UK fusion to prosper and its arrangements with Canada’s General Fusion Inc. which will build and operate its new fusion Demonstration Plant at the UKAEA Culham Campus.

Meet the team
Ian Salter

Ian Salter Partner

  • Head of Nuclear
  • Head of Projects
  • Environment
Ian Truman

Ian Truman Partner

  • Nuclear
  • Projects
  • Environment
Steven James

Steven James Partner

  • Construction and Engineering 
  • Energy and Utilities
  • Construction Disputes
Peter Ramsden

Peter Ramsden Director

  • Energy and Utilities
  • Projects

What others say...

The team is made up of seasoned professionals with the experience and agility to deal with complex matters.

Chambers 2024

Burges Salmon careers

We work hard to make sure Burges Salmon is a great place to work.
Find out more