The UK is set to construct the world’s most powerful laser, the Vulcan 20-20, thanks to £85 million in funding. This technology is expected to be “a million, billion, billion times brighter than the brightest sunlight” in the world. It will have applications in nuclear fusion, renewable energy, batteries, and plasma physics.

The Vulcan 20-20 will boast 20 times more power than the current Vulcan laser housed in the Central laser facility at Oxfordshire. It will also include 8 additional beams. Just one pulse from the laser will contain more energy than the entire National Grid and will last a trillionth of a second when used on a tiny target.

The estimated construction time for this laser is six years and is expected to give a huge boost to job creation for the science, engineering, tech and design sectors. It is also expected to contribute to various scientific advancements, including research related to astronomy, physics, and clean energy.

The project aligns with the UK’s commitment to scientific exploration and innovation, offering opportunities for groundbreaking discoveries and economic growth through highly skilled jobs in the science and engineering sectors.