Europe’s energy landscape is at a crossroads, and the recent Fusion for Energy (F4E) Roundtable in Barcelona has sparked a critical conversation about the continent’s future in fusion energy. With Europe importing 60% of its energy, costing €1bn per day, and facing vulnerabilities from geopolitical tensions, the need to reduce dependence on third countries and decrease fossil fuel use is more pressing than ever. Fusion energy, a process that powers the Sun and other stars, offers a promising long-term solution to these challenges.
Fusion’s potential is vast. It requires abundant fuels, generates no greenhouse gas emissions or long-lasting radioactive waste, and provides steady, reliable energy. Europe is at the forefront of developing this technology, with significant progress in flagship projects like ITER and JT-60SA. F4E, the EU organization managing Europe’s contribution to ITER, has delivered key components and achieved an impressive 84% completion rate for planned activities in 2024.
The F4E Roundtable brought together over 200 representatives from EU policy, industry, SMEs, start-ups, and laboratories to discuss Europe’s fusion ambitions. The timing was strategic, coinciding with the European Commission’s first-ever consultation for an EU-wide fusion strategy. Participants were asked to consider if Europe is ready to harness fusion’s potential, whether it has the necessary technology, supply chain, and skills, and how it can lead in this global race.
Marc Lachaise, Director of F4E, emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to fend off competition from other regions. MEP Christophe Grudler, who recently visited ITER, echoed this sentiment, stating that Europe should remain a global leader in fusion. Massimo Garribba, the European Commission’s Deputy-Director General of the Directorate General for Energy, highlighted the importance of a convincing strategy to facilitate discussions on the EU budget.
Europe’s journey in fusion has been marked by pioneering experiments and significant investments. ITER, expected to provide answers to many remaining technical questions, has already delivered complex components and stimulated innovation. However, participants insisted that ITER is not the endpoint but a starting point. Europe needs more projects to cover technological gaps and keep the supply chain engaged.
The panellists pointed out that the EU’s future fusion strategy should define all needs and plan the instruments to tackle them, including public-private partnerships. The next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) will be critical to sustaining Europe’s potential in the global race.
Recognizing fusion as a key technology in a vibrant ecosystem, F4E has involved over 2,700 companies and at least 75 R&D organizations in ITER. This investment has delivered tangible benefits, stimulating innovation and generating technology transfers. However, to maintain its lead, Europe must scale up its industrial readiness.
The F4E Roundtable has set the stage for Europe to shape its fusion strategy. The discussions and insights gathered will be crucial in defining Europe’s path forward in the global race for fusion energy. As the continent faces energy challenges and seeks to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, fusion offers a promising solution. The time to act is now, and Europe must seize this opportunity to lead in the development of this disruptive technology.