Fusion Energy: Research At the Crossroads

Through the same physical process that powers the sun, fusion offers the possibility of unlimited, carbon-free energy. Fusion on earth would be an entirely new source of energy for humankind, one with the potential to contribute substantially to addressing global warming. The technical challenges have been formidable, but focused efforts on an international scale, have generated progress both on the performance of fusion experiments and in the level of understanding of the underlying science. There is ample reason for optimism about ultimate success – but time is the enemy. With an impending climate crisis, it is critical that we overcome the remaining obstacles in time make a difference. We believe that the basis for a breakthrough is here in the form of high-temperature superconductors which enable magnets to be built at significantly higher field with a concomitant improvement in the confinement of fusion-grade plasmas. This promises to make fusion systems smaller and cheaper and opens up an accelerated path for development and deployment.