The energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by the urgent need to decarbonise and secure energy supplies. At the heart of this transformation is fusion energy, a technology that has long been the stuff of scientific dreams but is now on the cusp of becoming a reality. Karl Tischler from the European fusion research consortium EUROfusion is at the forefront of this revolution, advocating for fusion as a key player in the global decarbonisation effort. The integration of public and private sector partnerships is accelerating progress, with science and industry working hand in hand to turn fusion power into a viable energy source.
Fusion energy holds the promise of providing clean, reliable baseload power, filling the gaps left by intermittent renewable technologies like wind and solar. Unlike these sources, fusion can generate power 24/7, regardless of weather conditions. The fusion process, which combines atomic nuclei to release energy, is the same one that powers stars. This consistency makes fusion an attractive option for a stable energy grid. Moreover, fusion’s fuels—deuterium and tritium, derived from seawater and lithium—are abundant and secure against geopolitical and supply chain risks associated with fossil fuels.
One of the most compelling arguments for fusion is its safety and environmental benefits. Fusion produces no carbon emissions, no long-lived nuclear waste, and has no risk of a meltdown. The byproducts are helium and short-lived, low- to mid-level radioactive materials, making fusion a uniquely clean energy source. This positions fusion as a cornerstone of a sustainable and resilient energy system, capable of balancing the variability of other renewables and stabilising the grid.
Beyond electricity, fusion’s potential extends to heat production, which can be harnessed for district heating and other moderate-temperature applications. Currently, the heat generated by fusion reactors is not suitable for all industrial processes due to material limitations. However, advancements in material science could open the door to a broader range of industrial applications, further expanding fusion’s role in the energy mix.
EUROfusion is leading the charge toward a fusion-powered future. The consortium’s mission is to bring fusion to the market as an integral part of Europe’s decarbonised energy portfolio. EUROfusion’s research supports ITER, the world’s largest fusion experiment, where 35 nations collaborate to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy. This work is crucial for overcoming the remaining technical hurdles and ensuring that fusion will be ready to complement existing energy sources within the next few decades.
The role of fusion in the future energy mix is particularly significant as the world moves towards electrification. Fusion can provide consistent baseload power, reducing the need for large-scale battery storage and grid-balancing technologies. This integration could result in a more resilient and cost-effective energy system, where renewables provide variable power and fusion ensures a steady supply.
However, the path to commercial fusion is not without challenges. Significant investment, regulatory clarity, and continued technological innovation are required. Recent advancements, such as achieving net energy gain, have invigorated global interest and investment. But this measure does not yet account for the total energy required to operate the system, highlighting the need for further development.
EUROfusion is committed to addressing these challenges, working closely with international partners in research and industry. The consortium’s efforts align with broader global goals of achieving climate neutrality, with the understanding that fusion’s major impact will be felt after 2050. Fusion is poised to help meet the growing energy demands of a transitioning world, ensuring that the benefits of this clean, safe technology are shared globally.
As we stand on the brink of realising fusion’s potential, it is crucial for policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to support this revolutionary technology. Fusion represents the next great leap in energy technology—a leap that EUROfusion is leading with vision, innovation, and collaboration. With fusion, we have the opportunity to redefine baseload energy and secure a sustainable future for all. The time to act is now, and the stakes are high. The future of energy is fusion, and the future is within our grasp.
