#Clean Energy #Osaka #UK #Fusion Energy #Osaka Expo

UK Pavilion at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo

The United Kingdom is set to make a significant impression at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo with a theme of "Come Power the Future." Scheduled from September 20 to 23, this exhibition and interactive event will highlight the UK as a global leader in clean energy innovation. This initiative aligns with the Expo's thematic week on "The Future of Earth and Biodiversity," showcasing the UK's commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, and Goal 13, which emphasizes urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Throughout the event, esteemed guests from the British royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, are expected to visit the UK Pavilion. Their presence will underscore the cooperative relationship between the UK and Japan in the clean energy sector along with the vital role of youth engagement. Attendees will have the chance to meet industry leaders and young innovators while exploring the pavilion's exhibits and interactive experiences.

Clean Energy Collaboration Between the UK and Japan

In recent developments, wind power became the UK's primary source of electricity in 2024, contributing about 30% of the national power supply. Furthermore, the UK is home to some of the world's largest offshore wind farms, ranking second globally in total installed capacity. A memorandum of cooperation signed by ministers in March strengthens partnerships between the UK and Japan in offshore wind energy, fostering numerous industrial collaborations.

Leading the Charge in Fusion Energy

The UK also plays a pivotal role in the field of fusion energy. The flagship project, STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production), aims to provide fusion energy across the UK by 2040. Innovative companies like Tokamak Energy are developing groundbreaking technologies to make fusion energy a reality. In June, the UK and Japan signed a memorandum of cooperation on fusion energy, enhancing academic and industrial partnerships between the two nations.

Engaging Young Minds with Interactive Experiences

The "Come Power the Future" event is designed to captivate and educate visitors of all ages through interactive experiences, which include:

• - A layout design simulator for offshore wind energy projects by Kinewell Energy.
• - A virtual reality digital twin of Tokamak Energy's ST40 fusion device.
• - Insights into fusion and robotics from the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

This event supports the extensive efforts in the UK to nurture young talent transitioning to clean energy. Among these initiatives is the SSE Pacifico Youth Offshore Wind Scholarship Program, supported by the MUSUBI initiative, which offers Japanese students opportunities to study in the UK and develop as future leaders in the clean energy field.

Carolyn Davidson, the UK government's representative at the Osaka Expo, remarked, "The 2025 Expo is an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate our shared commitment to a cleaner and greener future with Japan. Through 'Come Power the Future,' we are proud to showcase UK leadership in offshore wind and fusion energy and inspire the next generation of innovators. Our collaboration with Japan is already making a tangible impact in the real world, and I look forward to deepening this bond as we build a more sustainable future together."

Andrew Jenkins, CEO and founder of Kinewell, expressed pride in showcasing the strong UK-Japan collaboration built on common values and visions for a sustainable future. He highlighted, "Through the EduKLOC game, we provide young people with hands-on experience in designing the layout of underwater cables for offshore wind projects, encouraging the next generation of engineers and scientists to devise energy solutions that protect the environment."

Ross Morgan, president of Tokamak Energy K.K., stated, "We are proud of the relationships we've developed with the Japanese government, academia, and industry. We are excited to introduce our innovative technologies to new audiences at the 2025 Expo. Transitioning away from fossil fuels and achieving fusion energy as a clean, sustainable, and globally accessible energy source is crucial. By working together, we can realize this vision of harnessing the power of the stars for our planet."

Rob Buckingham, OBE, Executive Director of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, emphasized the significance of fusion energy as the future of clean energy. He stated, "The UK is proud to take a leading role. Through cooperation with Japan and promoting youth participation, we support cutting-edge programs like STEP Fusion and robotic remote operation. 'Come Power the Future' is not just an exhibition; it's a call to action showcasing UK's innovation, partnerships, and vision for a greener tomorrow."

Public Engagement: The Rise of Regeneration

On September 15, the UK Pavilion will host a public panel event, "The Future of Sustainability: Regeneration Rising," in collaboration with the Royal Society of Arts. This event will shine a spotlight on young changemakers, influencers, and innovators building new movements to combat climate change and environmental degradation.

The Campaign "Come Build the Future"

This event coincides with the launch of the UK's "Come Build the Future" campaign, held nationwide from August to October. In partnership with Aardman Animations and Aston Martin, this campaign celebrates the potential for small ideas to transform the world and honors the UK as a country rich in opportunity. For more details, visit www.ukatexpo2025.uk/campaign.