The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (the Authority) is a UK government research organisation responsible for the development of nuclear fusion power. It is an executive non-departmental public body of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
On its formation in 1954, the Authority was responsible for the UK's entire nuclear program, both civil and defence, as well as the policing of nuclear sites. It made pioneering developments in nuclear power, overseeing the peaceful development of nuclear technology and performing much scientific research. However since the early 1970s its areas of work have been gradually reduced, with functions transferred to other government organisations as well as to the private sector.
The Authority now focuses on UK and European fusion power research programs at Culham in Oxfordshire, including the world's most powerful fusion device, the Joint European Torus. The research aims to develop fusion power as a commercially viable, environmentally sound energy source for the future.
The Authority also remains responsible for managing the records service for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
Read more about United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority: History, Locations, Dounreay
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