U.S. Energy Department Unveils Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap

In a significant move towards the future of energy, the U.S. Department of Energy has unveiled its Fusion Science and Technology roadmap. This initiative outlines the crucial measures required for the United States to bridge science and technology gaps, aiming to cement its leadership in the global fusion energy arena.

Sehila Gonzalez, Global Director for Fusion Energy at Clean Air Task Force (CATF), emphasized, “This announcement is an important signal to the rest of the world that the United States is serious about fusion energy, but that signal must be met with action.” She highlighted fusion energy's promise of providing "abundant, clean, reliable electricity" to enhance energy security and address climate challenges. Gonzalez warned that without substantial U.S. government commitment to the roadmap, the nation risks losing its edge to other countries in the fusion energy domain.

Structured to achieve deployment by the mid-2030s, the fusion roadmap lays out short-, medium-, and long-term actions. It focuses on advancing fusion materials and technology infrastructure, integrating AI with fusion, and strengthening supply chains and workforce capabilities. The plan also emphasizes public-private partnerships, incorporating major private companies into a cohesive national strategy to foster a competitive domestic fusion industry.

Patrick White, Group Lead for Fusion Energy Safety and Regulation, remarked, “This roadmap outlines a pathway for fusion energy to deliver abundant, firm, and clean electricity to power the United States.” White pointed out the necessity for ambitious roadmap goals to be matched with adequate resources to realize the "Build, Innovate, Grow" vision. He called for a significant increase in federal funding to pursue these goals in parallel.

The CATF has recently put forward recommendations for Congress and the administration targeting energy innovation and fusion energy commercialization. These align closely with the roadmap’s priorities and suggest unlocking public sector resources to boost private sector dominance in energy innovation. The recommendations also support a proposed one-time $10 billion appropriation to support the Department of Energy's strategic infrastructure expansion.

To keep track of global progress, CATF offers an interactive resource called the Global Fusion Map, which collects and displays publicly available data on fusion activities worldwide.

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About Clean Air Task Force

Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the impacts of climate change by advancing the development of low-carbon energy technologies. With over 25 years of expertise in climate policy, CATF promotes pragmatic solutions to global environmental challenges. The organization operates from Boston, Washington D.C., Brussels, and virtually worldwide. For more information, visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.