This Week’s Fusion News: June 20, 2025
Things You Gotta Know
U.S. Energy Secretary Signals Reversal of Cuts to National Lab Funding
Energy Secretary Chris Wright hinted at restoring some funding for Department of Energy labs, potentially reversing proposed budget cuts to facilities like PPPL, Oak Ridge, and Livermore. The move would bolster core fusion and plasma research programs critical for U.S. competitiveness and technological resilience.
NJ Launches $49M HAX Plasma Forge with SOSV and PPPL
New Jersey Economic Development Authority is investing $24.5M (total $49M including SOSV) to establish the HAX Plasma Forge near Princeton, in collaboration with Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and venture firm SOSV. The 10,000 ft² facility aims to commercialize low-temperature plasma technologies critical for fusion, semiconductors, and advanced spacecraft by providing seed funding, lab space, and industry partnerships to startups.
Pulsar Fusion Expands to U.S. with its Fusion Rocket Tech
UK-based Pulsar Fusion is opening a U.S. subsidiary to commercialize its Sunbird fusion-driven propulsion system, aiming to cut Mars transit times and power spacecraft via direct fusion drive. The expansion includes developing test facilities and regulatory partnerships stateside, positioning the startup for accelerated trials and deeper market entry.
US Researchers Decode Tokamak Plasma ‘Voids’ to Improve Fusion Stability
UC San Diego physicists unveiled a first-principles model identifying inward-moving “voids” at the plasma edge as key drivers of unexpected turbulence. Treating voids as coherent structures revealed their role in transferring energy to the core, closing the “shortfall problem” gap in simulations. Insights into void-driven turbulence may enhance predictive control and extend tokamak reactor durability.
Xcimer Energy Achieves Inertial Fusion Milestone: Longest KrF Excimer Laser Pulse
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
Xcimer Energy has achieved a record-setting 3μs KrF laser pulse using its DOE-funded long-pulse kinetics platform. This milestone anchors its roadmap to a prototype inertial fusion power plant by 2035.
Who Is Investing in Fusion Energy Development Today? You Might be Surprised…
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
Who’s betting on fusion? The answer may surprise you. From billionaires like Bill Gates to climate-minded funds like Footprint Coalition, fusion’s backers share a long-term vision for impact. We break down the players, funding rounds, and what 2025’s investment climate says about the future of fusion energy.
