On Monday, July 31, the UK Science, Innovation and Technology Committee published a comprehensive report on delivering nuclear power, concluding that the UK should continue R&D for fusion technologies with fusion as a ‘part of the Government’s long-term energy plan’.
On Tuesday, July 25, the U.S. Department of Energy announced $4.6m for FY2023 INFUSE awards, further driving public-private partnerships between national labs & universities and industry to drive efforts towards fusion commercialization.
On July 12, 2023, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) held a public meeting to update progress on developing a regulatory framework for fusion energy. As the first meeting following the April NRC decision that separated fusion from fission regulations in the United States, it kicks off the progress that will be made as a result of the vote.
The Fusion Industry Association (FIA) released its third annual industry report ‘The Global Fusion Industry in 2023’ on July 12, unveiling worldwide findings from an electrifying year of the fusion industry’s development. 43 private fusion companies were surveyed for the report, ranging from fusion industry giants to new entrants with bold visions, committed to addressing the challenges that remain ahead for commercialization.
On June 30, Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to Secretary Gina Raimondo, US Department of Commerce, on the importance of power semiconductors being included in the CHIPS for America Fund, based on the need for the growing fusion industry.
The Fusion Industry Association Space Committee operates as an arm of the FIA to support the role of fusion energy in expanding space operations, and has written the following mission statement to help guide their efforts in promoting the development of fusion spacecraft power & propulsion.
On June 9, the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) sent a letter on the importance of risk-informed fusion regulations to European Commission Commissioner Simson. The letter comes at a time when governments are increasingly looking into solidifying regulations for fusion energy, following recent regulatory decisions by the United States and United Kingdom. Early movers will have a competitive advantage in further shaping the industry, which spent over $500m on the supply chain in 2022.
On July 1, the Fusion Industry Association appointed Dr Nick Walkden as UK Director. Nick brings with him extensive experience in fusion science and technology, policy, and strategy, developed in both the public and private sectors of the fusion industry.
On June 13, alongside representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy, Helion Energy, US ITER Project Office, and General Atomics, FIA CEO Andrew Holland testified at a Congressional hearing on “From Theory to Reality: The Limitless Potential of Fusion Energy“, hosted by the Energy Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. A main theme from the hearing: the general consensus to increase support for accelerated fusion commercialization, a feat that will unlock “limitless potential” for energy, climate, and economic benefits.
In a notice released on May 31, 2023, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provided further technical guidance on the application process for the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Credit (Section 48C of the Internal Revenue Code). The first round of the expanded 48C tax credit program will strengthen the supply chains for fusion-related technologies to address remaining challenges for fusion commercialization, such as the manufacturing of superconducting magnets, plasma-facing components, and diagnostics.