This Week’s Fusion News: May 16, 2025
Things You Gotta Know
Midwest Fusion Alliance Forms to Accelerate Regional Innovation
The newly announced Great Lakes Fusion Energy Alliance aims to unify research institutions, startups, manufacturers, and policymakers to advance fusion energy development in the Midwest. Key members include Realta Fusion, SHINE Technologies, and Tokamak Energy, with support from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The alliance seeks to leverage the region’s deep expertise in fusion research and manufacturing to drive commercialization and economic growth.
Helion Energy Gains Regulatory Boost for Fusion Plant Development
Helion Energy has welcomed new legislation signed by Washington Governor Bob Ferguson that streamlines the site selection process for fusion energy facilities. The law is expected to expedite the permitting and development of Helion’s planned commercial fusion power plant in Everett, positioning the company to advance its timeline for delivering fusion-based electricity.
Realta Fusion Secures $36M to Advance ‘Fusion-in-a-Bottle’ Reactor
Realta Fusion has raised $36 million in a Series A funding round to finalize the design of its Anvil prototype reactor, which employs a magnetic mirror configuration to confine plasma. The company aims to achieve power generation costs competitive with natural gas and plans to scale its modular reactor design for industrial applications. Investors include Future Ventures, Khosla Ventures, and the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation.
Proposed U.S. Legislation Threatens Clean Energy Progress
The U.S. House of Representatives is considering legislation that would eliminate key clean energy tax credits and programs established under the Inflation Reduction Act. The proposed cuts target incentives for advanced nuclear, fusion, carbon capture, and hydrogen technologies. Experts warn that such measures would undermine public health, stifle innovation, and cede global competitiveness to other nations investing heavily in clean energy.
LLNL Discovery Could Extend Fusion Reactor Lifespan
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have identified a phenomenon called “backflow saturation,” where electrons emitted from plasma-facing surfaces reverse direction, potentially causing material degradation. Understanding this effect could lead to improved designs for fusion reactors and other plasma-based technologies, enhancing their efficiency and operational lifespan.
The Growing Role of State Governments in Funding Fusion Development
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
With federal fusion funding under pressure, U.S. states are taking the lead. Massachusetts, California, Virginia, and others are creating a new fusion roadmap one policy at a time.
How Close Are We to Commercial Fusion? Maybe Closer Than You Think…
BY MICHAEL HEUMANN
Fusion energy is on the verge of commercialization, but how near is “near”? We examine peer-reviewed results, Q>1 milestones, and market momentum to separate hype from progress.
