Breakthroughs in Clean Energy: Is Nuclear Fusion Finally Here?
Nuclear fusion has long been heralded as the ultimate solution for clean and virtually limitless energy. Recent advancements suggest that this aspiration is inching closer to reality, with significant milestones achieved globally.
Scientific Milestones
In December 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy announced a landmark achievement at the National Ignition Facility (NIF): a controlled fusion reaction that produced more energy than was input, a condition known as "ignition." This breakthrough marked a pivotal moment in fusion research, demonstrating the potential for fusion as a viable energy source.
Building on this success, the NIF replicated the ignition breakthrough in July 2023, yielding 3.88 megajoules (MJ) of energy from a 2.05 MJ input, an 89% surplus. Further experiments in February 2024 achieved 5.2 MJ from a 2.2 MJ input, a 136% surplus, underscoring the reproducibility and scalability of fusion ignition.
Global Developments
China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), often referred to as the "artificial sun," set a new record in January 2025 by maintaining stable plasma operation for 1,066 seconds at temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius. This achievement is a significant step toward practical fusion energy, demonstrating sustained high-temperature plasma confinement.
In Japan, the JT-60SA tokamak achieved its first plasma in October 2023 and was officially inaugurated in December 2023. This collaborative project between Japan and the European Union aims to advance fusion research and contribute to the development of commercial fusion reactors.
Industry Engagement
The private sector is increasingly investing in fusion energy. In November 2021, Commonwealth Fusion Systems secured $1.8 billion in funding to construct and operate its SPARC tokamak, aiming to demonstrate net energy gain by 2027.
Similarly, Zap Energy, founded in 2017, has made notable progress with its sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology. In October 2024, the company announced the closure of a $130 million Series D funding round and the commencement of operations for its Century platform, designed to test power plant-relevant technologies.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. The energy gains achieved thus far are modest compared to the input energy required, and the infrastructure demands are substantial. Moreover, transitioning from experimental reactors to commercially viable fusion power plants necessitates overcoming engineering, economic, and regulatory hurdles.
Nonetheless, the convergence of scientific breakthroughs, international collaboration, and private investment fosters optimism. As research progresses and technology matures, the prospect of harnessing nuclear fusion as a clean energy source becomes increasingly tangible.