This Week’s Fusion News: March 21, 2025
Things You Gotta Know
The U.S. Is Falling Behind China in Nuclear Fusion Needed to Power AI
The United States is losing ground to China in the development of nuclear fusion technology, which is seen as critical for powering the future demands of artificial intelligence. China is making significant investments and accelerating its progress in fusion research, while U.S. efforts remain slower and more fragmented.
U.S. ITER Delivers Superconducting Magnet Structure for Fusion Reactor
The U.S. ITER project has delivered a key support structure for the central solenoid, a 60-foot-tall superconducting magnet at the heart of the ITER fusion reactor in France. This massive “exoskeleton” will stabilize the magnet during high-energy plasma operations.
Researchers in Texas Develop Non-Toxic Method for Producing Fusion Fuel
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a safer, mercury-free method for enriching lithium-6, a key isotope used in fusion fuel. The accidental discovery could pave the way for more environmentally sustainable fusion fuel production by eliminating toxic byproducts.
Partnership to Launch Australia’s First Laser Fusion Facility
A new partnership is set to establish Australia’s first laser-based fusion facility, marking a major advancement for the country’s role in next-generation energy research.
Big Ideas Lab Podcast Explores the Future of Fusion Energy
The Big Ideas Lab Podcast features expert discussions on the future of fusion energy, recent scientific breakthroughs, and the remaining challenges to achieving commercial fusion power.
ARPA-E Conference Highlights: The Return of “Coolness” to Fossil Fuels
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
The 2025 ARPA-E Conference signaled a return to fossil fuels as a priority for U.S. energy policy, with DoE Secretary Chris Wright calling for an “energy dominance” strategy. While fusion was briefly mentioned, concerns remain over whether the U.S. is keeping pace with China. Discussions covered AI-driven power generation, nuclear expansion, biofuel innovation, and the rising energy demands of data centers. Read the full breakdown of the conference’s key takeaways.
Increasing Fusion Supply Chain Diversity: High-Temperature Semiconductors
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
Last week, we discussed the fusion supply chain and how the difference in risk appetites between fusion machine companies and supply chain companies produced a disconnect in growing the supply chain. One of the approaches many of these companies take is finding alternative (i.e., “non-fusion”) commercial uses for their technology. One of the more successful technologies to apply this principle is the technology of high-temperature superconductors (HTS).
The Gorillas of Fusion – The Race to Dominate Fusion Energy
