Editor-in-Chief, The Fusion Report
Commonwealth Fusion Systems secures $863 million in new funding, bringing its total to nearly $3 billion. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Energy selects 10 advanced nuclear startups to fast-track small modular reactor (SMR) deployment. Fusion and fission now share the spotlight as the world races to meet exponential electricity demand through next-gen energy sources.
General Fusion just closed an oversubscribed $22M funding round. Their Magnetized Target Fusion approach is advancing steadily, with plans to reach scientific break-even by 2026. It’s a meaningful step forward, but commercial fusion is still a long road ahead.
Grid-scale battery storage in the U.S. nearly doubled in 2024 and is on track to triple by 2026. With distributed home storage and global momentum accelerating, energy storage is becoming a key enabler of resilience, grid stability, and 24/7 clean power. We explore the current state of storage, its global implications, and where tariffs and tech trends could push the sector next.
AI-driven data center growth is putting serious strain on power grids and ratepayers are footing the bill. This article examines conflicting demand forecasts, the real impact on electricity prices, and whether tech giants should shoulder more of the infrastructure costs.
From SPARC to stellarators and tandem mirrors, the Fusion 2035: The 10-Year Shot Clock webinar brought together leaders from across the global fusion ecosystem. Experts from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Xcimer Energy, Pacific Fusion, Thea Energy, Peak Nano, nT-Tao, Helical Fusion, and ITER shared insights on commercialization timelines, supply chain readiness, and why fusion’s success depends on parallel progress from startups, policymakers, and public-private partnerships.
ITER has tapped Westinghouse to build its 5,200-ton vacuum vessel, highlighting how global industrial expertise is being mobilized for fusion. This $180M contract signals the scale, complexity, and cross-sector opportunity emerging in the fusion energy supply chain.
Realta Fusion VP of R&D Derek Sutherland breaks down how tandem magnetic mirrors and recent modeling advances show Q>10 is achievable, setting the stage for a FOAK fusion plant in the early 2030s. With a focus on simplicity, scalability, and direct energy conversion, Realta is carving its own path in the fusion race.
Helion Energy has started construction of its Orion fusion plant in Washington, aiming to supply power to Microsoft by 2028. But what does being the “first” fusion power plant truly mean? We explore Helion’s challenges, how it stacks up against the Commonwealth Fusion Systems ARC project, and why the race to commercial fusion matters for global clean energy growth.
Fusion energy companies nearly doubled their supply chain spending in 2024, but risks remain. Fusion Industry Association CEO Andrew Holland discusses supply chain gaps, the role of data centers, and China’s competitive push; stressing the need for investment, policy support, and workforce development to accelerate commercialization.
China leads the world in manufacturing solar, wind, and grid components, and is moving aggressively into fusion energy. This dominance poses challenges to energy independence for the U.S. and its allies, highlighting the urgent need for reshoring production, investing in domestic supply chains, and securing critical infrastructure.
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