Fusion Energy Gains Visibility at EU Sustainable Energy Week
On 11 June, the Fusion Industry Association (FIA), together with Fusion for Energy (F4E), hosted a session titled Powering the Future: Securing Europe’s Leadership in Fusion Energy as part of the 2025 edition of the EU Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW). As the European Commission’s flagship event on energy and the largest conference in Europe dedicated to renewables and energy efficiency, EUSEW offered a high-profile platform to spotlight fusion’s growing strategic role in the EU’s energy agenda.
The inclusion of fusion in the EUSEW programme underlines the significant political momentum gained over the past year by the sector. The session explored the latest breakthroughs in fusion research and innovation, with a particular focus on commercialisation. Discussions centred on the steps the EU must take to maintain its global leadership, from creating an enabling regulatory framework and promoting public-private partnerships (PPPs) to scaling up investment from both public and private sources.
Speakers included representatives from the European Commission, industry leaders, and academic experts. There was broad agreement that fusion is no longer a distant ambition but a strategic opportunity for Europe. According to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, the forthcoming EU Fusion Strategy—currently under consultation and expected by the end of the year—will outline a clear vision and roadmap for fusion development in the EU. It will also aim to identify the appropriate regulatory framework and foster greater industry involvement, including through a dedicated PPP to be developed as part of the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) on fusion.
Prof. Dr. Constantin Haefner of the Fraunhofer Institute emphasized the vital role of fusion startups, noting their ability to move quickly and drive innovation. At the same time, he underlined the importance of large companies, which have the capacity to scale these technologies. Given the inherent business risks, he stressed the need for co-investment from private investors, industry, and public authorities alike. In this context, the role of PPPs was widely recognised as a cornerstone of Europe’s fusion commercialisation strategy.
Across the panel, speakers stressed that maintaining Europe’s leadership will require more than scientific excellence. It will demand bold political choices, a supportive regulatory environment, targeted investment in infrastructure and talent, and strong public-private collaboration across the entire fusion value chain. There was a strong consensus that the focus must now shift decisively towards commercialisation.
Watch the recording of the session here.
16 June 2025
