The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) released a national Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap to accelerate commercial fusion energy development. The plan outlines DOE’s “Build–Innovate–Grow” strategy to align public investment with private innovation and deliver grid-connected fusion power by the mid-2030s.
More than 600 scientists, engineers, and industry leaders contributed to the roadmap. It identifies critical research and technology gaps that must be closed to establish a Fusion Pilot Plant and strengthen U.S. leadership in global fusion development. DOE will target six focus areas: structural materials, plasma-facing components, confinement systems, fuel cycles, blankets, and plant engineering.
The roadmap centers on three priorities: build infrastructure to close technology gaps; innovate through advanced research and computing; and grow the fusion ecosystem through public-private partnerships, manufacturing hubs, and workforce programs.
DOE reported that private companies have invested over $9 billion in fusion projects, including prototype reactors and burning-plasma demonstrations. The roadmap emphasizes that future milestones will depend on congressional appropriations and expanded partnerships, and it does not commit the agency to specific funding levels.
To access the full roadmap click here