With successive governments having invested billions of pounds in the sector, it can seem like a lot to stake on unproven technology.
“It’s not a gamble, it’s a calculated risk,” Methven said.
“We’re facing energy security challenges, climate challenges in the future, cost-of-energy challenges.
“If we don’t take big strategic decisions and follow through on them over decades then those problems just get worse.”
Overcoming the hurdles that still exist with fusion, he said, is “the job of the prototype”.
“Solving every one of those problems is a business opportunity in itself,” he said. “The spin-off technologies could be massive out of this.”
He added he understands why people living nearby may be concerned about the project, but said the consultation is “not a tick-box”.
Vikki Wallace attended one of the drop-in events, having moved to the area seven weeks ago.
“We’ve come for the quiet life, and now all this is happening,” she said.
“They’re going to need thousands of people coming to work here, they’ve all got to get here, they’ve got to live here somewhere.”