The International Group of Legal Experts on Fusion Energy (FELEX) published a discussion paper on “Regulatory Frameworks for Fusion Technologies.” This paper marks a step in the pursuit of clear, risk-appropriate, and technology-neutral legal frameworks for the safe and effective deployment of fusion power plants.
On September 18 at 10 am, Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ CEO Bob Mumgaard and Pacific Fusion CEO Will Regan will testify at a Congressional hearing on “Igniting America’s Energy Future: The Promise and Progress of Fusion Power”, hosted by the Energy Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
In July 2025, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) submitted a new report to Congress on how the Commission can support licensing mass-manufactured fusion machines. The report was required by Section 205(c)(2) of the ADVANCE Act. The ADVANCE Act, signed into law on July 9, 2024, codified fusion-specific regulations in the US and streamlines the deployment of fusion. Section 205 of the Act tasked the NRC with studying how the agency could develop a regulatory framework for mass-manufactured fusion machines.
On July 17, the UK Government published its response to the consultation on National Policy Statement (NPS) EN-8, which was launched in May 2024 to streamline the process and provide clarity on the planning of fusion power plants. In its response, the Government focuses on enabling the delivery of fusion power plants, highlighting near-term economic opportunity and explicitly recognizing that private companies plan to deliver commercial fusion plants within the 2030s.
The Japan Fusion Energy Council, “J-Fusion,” has published a “White Paper on the Regulation and Safety of Fusion Energy.” The paper provides a well-considered approach to regulating fusion in Japan, with the core conclusion that fusion’s safety profile is fundamentally distinct from that of fission, and that its regulation should be risk-informed, proportionate, and grounded in scientific evidence. The paper gives a broad history and overview of fusion regulatory considerations around the world.
In the midst of a global race to deployment, the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) has launched three position papers to help shape EU policy and accelerate the path to commercial fusion energy. The papers provide recommendations regarding European public-private partnerships, regulations, and funding.
On June 20, the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) sent a letter to Senator Capito, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and Senator Whitehouse, Ranking Member, in support of the re-nomination of Commissioner Wright to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The Fusion Industry Association has released a new position paper: Efficient Permitting for Fusion. With 89% of fusion developers confident they will bring fusion power to market by the 2030s or sooner, the paper outlines permitting policies needed to support the efficient deployment of fusion power plants.
On March 18, the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) submitted a response to Japan’s Cabinet Office on their recently released draft paper on the “Basic Approach to Ensuring Safety for Realization of Fusion Energy.” The paper acts as a draft framework for the regulation of fusion energy in Japan.
As developers move closer to commercial fusion it is increasingly necessary to consider the wide array of enablers required to bring fusion power to the grid. The UK government’s consultation on proposed National Policy Statement EN8, ‘Fusion Energy’ is an important step forward for fusion development in the country. Not only will the policy help ensure a smooth and transparent assessment of future project proposals, it also signals – to developers, investors and consumers – that the UK government is today adopting measures to see fusion energy facilities come online.