The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $8.5m in funding for 28 research projects to advance commercial fusion energy.
The awards, delivered through its Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) programme, will support partnerships between private fusion companies, national laboratories and universities.
Funding will target scientific and technological challenges that must be overcome to make fusion energy commercially viable.
A total of 22 commercial enterprises will participate in the selected projects, which will investigate areas including materials science, plasma diagnostics, modelling and simulation.
The latest awards represent another step in the US Government’s efforts to accelerate fusion development through public-private collaboration, bringing together industry expertise and research capabilities to advance technologies needed for future fusion power plants.
Speaking on the investment, DOE Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil said: “The race to commercial fusion energy will not be won in isolation. It demands a seamless partnership between the pioneering intellect of our National Labs and universities and the speed and daring of private capital.
“Every challenge we solve through INFUSE brings us one step closer to an era of energy abundance that will transform our economy, revitalise manufacturing, and secure American leadership for generations.”
How does fusion energy work?
Fusion energy is produced by combining two light atomic nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. It is the same fundamental reaction that powers the Sun and other stars.
Replicating this process on Earth requires extremely high temperatures to create a state of matter known as plasma.
Controlling and sustaining this plasma, along with developing materials and technologies that can operate under demanding conditions, are among the challenges facing fusion researchers.
The long-term objective is to develop fusion power plants that can generate reliable electricity on a commercial scale.
Read our full fusion energy explainer here to learn more.
Research targets key fusion technology challenges
Of the 28 selected projects, 17 will be led by US National Laboratories, while universities will lead the remaining 11. Each project will receive between $100,000 and $500,000, with funding supporting research programmes lasting one or two years.
The selection process was managed by the INFUSE leadership team, comprising Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Applications were assessed through a competitive peer-review process.
The programme is designed to give private fusion companies access to specialist research facilities and expertise, helping address technical barriers that could otherwise slow progress towards commercial deployment.
These activities also support the DOE’s Fusion Science and Technology roadmap, which sets out priorities for overcoming the scientific and engineering challenges associated with developing fusion energy.
INFUSE opens applications for 2027 funding
Alongside announcing the latest awards, the INFUSE programme management team has opened its fiscal year 2027 Request for Assistance (RFA).
The next funding round introduces expanded eligibility for consortia and a new review category covering preconceptual designs for fusion pilot plants.
The changes are intended to broaden opportunities for collaboration and support further progress towards commercial fusion energy.
However, the DOE has emphasised that selection does not guarantee funding. Successful applicants must first complete an award negotiation process, during which the department retains the right to withdraw selections or cancel negotiations.
