White House launches “International Partnerships in a New Era of Fusion Energy Development”

The US announced “International Partnerships in a New Era of Fusion Energy Development”, issuing five goals for international partnership and collaboration opportunities on the way to fusion commercialization.

• Identify and pursue opportunities for international cooperation or partnerships on fusion R&D, and enable access to or shared development of key infrastructure
• Grow the future global marketplace
• Coordinate on regulatory frameworks that create a secure environment for fusion energy
• Foster and strengthen a diverse and global workforce pipeline
• Improve public education and engagement in fusion energy

“Private investments in fusion companies around the world have totaled $6 billion to-date. The rise in private fusion investments and growing interest in fusion commercialization reinforce the need for global engagement to resolve research challenges and develop international supply chains and workforces. International engagements promote and facilitate effective public-private partnerships around the world. In addition, timely commercial fusion deployment will benefit from early international coordination on regulatory frameworks and policy implementation to facilitate fusion’s market entry.”

White House, International Partnerships in a New Era of Fusion Energy Development

This initiative is the latest step in the US’ plans to accelerate fusion energy commercialization efforts as countries around the world ramp up efforts to capitalize on the rapidly evolving fusion industry. In March 2022, the White House launched a “Bold Decadal Vision for Commercial Fusion Energy” at a White House fusion summit, and then listed “Fusion energy at scale” as one of five key priorities to achieve 2050 net-zero goals. Targeting areas of international partnership and collaboration is important in accelerating fusion development efforts.

“The FIA welcomes the United States’ new international strategy for fusion because it will allow like-minded countries to work together to accelerate fusion commercialization. China is rapidly increasing its efforts on fusion: it’s time for the US to assemble its allies to make sure we win the race to fusion energy.”

Andrew Holland, CEO, Fusion Industry Association

You can read the full White House announcement here.

December 4th, 2023