U.S. Department of Energy Creates Dedicated Office of Fusion
In their recent reorganization on November 20, the U.S. Department of Energy created an Office of Fusion. The FIA has advocated for restoring the Office of Fusion Energy, led by an Assistant Secretary of Energy, to support a wide range of viable fusion commercialization approaches and to address challenges beyond fundamental science. Fusion energy represents one of the most transformative opportunities to secure America’s, and the world’s, energy future; separating fusion from the Office of Science sends an unmistakable signal that the United States is serious about leading the global fusion energy race.
The private fusion industry stands ready to work with DOE and the leadership of the new Office to ensure that the programs, funding, and strategic direction are in place to achieve our shared objective of commercializing fusion technology. With the proper resources (FY27 request and $10 billion one-time investment), this Office will help the U.S. remain the global leader in fusion technologies. As the DOE further develops the Office’s functions, the FIA recommends that the Office be led by an Assistant Secretary and that the Office supports efforts to:
- Maintain and build on public-private partnerships like the Milestone program, FIRE collaboratives, and INFUSE;
- Promote fusion innovation hubs with private industry, national laboratories, and universities to bridge science and technology gaps;-
- Support a resilient and secure supply chain in the U.S. and allied countries;
- Support the development of appropriate regulations, including before the IAEA;
- Enable the export of commercial fusion machines and technologies; and
- Grow the fusion-focused workforce.
The FIA is committed to working together with the Department of Energy and the Administration to turn the promise of fusion energy into the reality of abundant, clean, reliable power for America and the world.
