U.S. Department of Energy announces $180m for new fusion initiative

6 June 2024

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Fusion Energy Sciences has announced $180m of funding for new Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives. These FIRE Collaboratives will support teams working to solve key science and technology challenges to a commercially relevant pilot fusion power plant.

DOE also announced signed agreements with the eight companies selected for its Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program. The program will provide up to $46m for public-private partnerships between DOE and the fusion companies over the first 18 months of a five-year program. The objective is to advance designs, research and development for private-sector-led pilot fusion power plants. The eight companies with agreements are: Commonwealth Fusion Systems; Focused Energy; Thea Energy; Realta Fusion; Tokamak Energy; Type One Energy Group; Xcimer Energy; and Zap Energy.