German Hearing on Charting a Fusion Regulatory Framework
On Wednesday, July 3, the German Committee for Education, Research and Technology Assessment held a hearing aimed to chart a course toward ensuring an informed legal environment that will accelerate fusion power deployment in Germany and across the European Union. The hearing was centered around two motions: “For a pragmatic, innovation-friendly legal framework for fusion power plants in Germany and Europe” – a legislative motion put forward by the CDU/CSU Parliamentary Group, and “Specialist initiative for fusion research” – put forward by the AFD. The discussion is timely as Germany seeks to secure its leadership position in fusion by ensuring a regulatory system that keeps pace with technological advancements.
Through the motions, the MPs are calling on the federal government to “promptly develop a proposal for a pragmatic, innovation-friendly and independent legal framework for fusion power plants in Germany with corresponding sub-legal safety guidelines” and to submit the proposal to relevant committees of the German Bundestag.
A group of experts including individuals from FIA member companies Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Proxima Fusion, and Marvel Fusion testified at the hearing. The panel emphasized the major differences between nuclear fission and fusion energy. They made it clear that private fusion companies will establish first plants in countries with clear regulatory frameworks. The panelists were united in their call for rapid government action to establish clear, innovation-friendly regulations that differentiate fusion from fission. This action would not only support the fusion industry in Germany but also attract and retain investments and talent. Without this, Germany risks losing its competitive edge.
This hearing represents a critical step in ensuring Germany, and more broadly, the European Union, have the necessary legal infrastructure to support the accelerating fusion industry. The FIA applauds the German government and those involved, and stands ready to support.
Next steps:
The proposals will now undergo detailed reviews by the German Bundestag. This stage will involve discussions and potential refinements to the motions. Once the review process is complete, the Committee on Education, Research, and Technology Assessment will formulate recommendations. The recommendations will serve as a guide for the Bundestag. Following the Committee’s recommendations, the motion will be brought to the floor of the Bundestag for debate. If the motion receives approval, the German Federal Government will act on the directives, and would develop a concrete innovation-friendly legal framework.
You can watch the hearing at bundestag.de.
