World Fusion Energy Group Holds Inaugural Ministerial Meeting in Rome
On November 6, government ministers, senior officials, and fusion industry leaders from across the globe gathered in Rome for the inaugural meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG). Co-organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Italian government, the event highlighted the growing international efforts in commercializing fusion power.
Opening speeches were delivered by IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, and Undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano. Grossi underscored the transformative potential of fusion, noting that recent technical advances, combined with private sector investment, are bringing commercial fusion power closer to reality.
“Fusion energy had once been a distant dream, but with major technical breakthroughs and increasing private sector involvement, it is now within reach.”
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi
The panels and discussions that followed featured updates from the private and public sector, including a fusion industry status update from FIA CEO Andrew Holland, and many commercial fusion updates from FIA member companies.
One of the key takeaways from the meeting was the recognition that global collaboration can accelerate the transition from fusion research to the commercial deployment of fusion plants. Participants emphasized the ability for international partnerships to build supply chains, develop a strong workforce, and establish safety and regulatory frameworks necessary for success.
At the meeting, the IAEA launched two significant publications: World Fusion Outlook 2024 and Fusion Key Elements. These documents (below) provide an overview of the current state of fusion energy, highlight key challenges, and outline a roadmap to commercialization. The World Fusion Outlook 2024 offers insights into the fusion plant concepts being developed. The report highlights emerging plant designs, projected development timelines, policy frameworks, and investment trends across both public and private sectors. Fusion Key Elements identifies six core aspects that will shape the path to fusion commercialization: research, development, and demonstration; industrialization; safety, security, and nonproliferation; global collaboration; stakeholders; and public engagement. The publication stresses the importance of a shared vision to guide all stakeholders involved in the fusion energy ecosystem.
With a strong turnout from industry, government ministers, and senior officials, the WFEG’s inaugural meeting marks a pivotal moment in fostering international cooperation on the path to commercial fusion power.
You can watch the meeting below.
Here is the World Fusion Outlook.
And here is the Fusion Key Elements document.
November 6th, 2024
