The EU blueprint for fusion energy

In her opening address, Kadri Simson, European Commissioner for Energy, said that "the time is right to discuss what a possible EU fusion strategy could look like." She underscored the significance of ITER as a flagship fusion project, stressed the importance of international collaboration in advancing fusion as an energy source, and highlighted the European Union's leading role in shaping a regulatory framework for fusion.

Representatives from fusion organizations, nuclear safety regulators, and fusion startups engaged in comprehensive discussions on the current status of fusion within the European Union and strategies to accelerate its advancement. Topics ranged from increasing investment in fusion R&D, to fostering innovation and crafting regulatory frameworks for fusion facilities. The imperative of strengthening collaboration among startups, research institutions, and industry players resonated widely.

Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, highlighted in his concluding address the role of fusion energy as a potential game-changer for achieving climate neutrality. To reach this, he also stressed the need for enhanced collaboration between the public and private sectors. He proposed to establish a specialized working group focused on regulatory issues, comprising representatives from the European Union, the United States, pertinent Member States bodies, as well as private sector and financial institutions.

See this related report on the website of the European Domestic Agency for ITER, Fusion for Energy.