Not entirely sure how much the register thinks it costs.

To design the first ever commercial man made star. But 220 m for such new science. Designed by researchers and specialists in a brand new field. Seems pretty bloody cheap to me.

As for building it being a pipe dream. We are far more prepared for it then we were the first fission power plants. Without some risk progress stops.

Will it cost more. Of course. But it is also the future of energy independence. And based on the first successful smaller design. So far from a pipe dream.