Funding the U.S. Bold Decadal Vision for Fusion Energy
Accelerating Fusion Energy: The Need for Supplemental Appropriations
In a June, 2024 summit at the White House, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to a “Bold Decadal Vision” for fusion energy. Fusion is not only a safe and clean power source but also holds the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape in a practical and economically competitive manner. With recent breakthroughs in fusion science and repeated demonstrations of successful “net energy” experiments, the commercial fusion era is fast approaching.
The March 2022 White House Summit on Fusion Energy marked the beginning of an ambitious race to commercialize fusion energy within a decade. However, despite significant policy advancements by the Department of Energy (DOE) and other U.S. government entities, the necessary funding levels to achieve these bold goals have yet to materialize. Without additional funding and a strategic shift in prioritizing DOE fusion R&D, the U.S. risks falling behind.
FIA Proposal: Strategic Investments in Fusion Commercialization
To accelerate the U.S. fusion program and support the Bold Decadal Vision, the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) proposes that Congress passes a supplemental appropriation of $3 billion. This one-time investment would be allocated as follows:
$1.5 billion for Commercially-Relevant R&D Facilities: This includes essential equipment, test stands, and hardware needed to close scientific and research gaps necessary for fusion energy deployment and scaling. Key facilities include the Fusion Prototypic Neutron Source (FPNS), Blanket Component Test Facility (BCTF), and High-Repetition-Rate Laser Facility, among others.
$1 billion for an Expanded Milestone-Based Public-Private Partnership Program: This funding model leverages private capital to design commercial fusion facilities, fostering collaboration between national laboratories, universities, and community organizations to address specific R&D gaps and expedite the commercialization process.
$500 million for FIRE Research Collaboratives: This initiative aims to address critical scientific and technology gaps by bringing together discovery science, innovation, and translational research through small group collaborations with multiple public and private partners.
The stakes are high, but so are the opportunities. With a strategic and well-funded approach, the United States can lead the global race to fusion energy, creating a sustainable and prosperous future powered by this revolutionary technology. Now is the time to invest in the bold decadal vision for fusion energy and ensure America’s place at the forefront of this transformative industry. The full FIA policy position is below.
