Karl Tischler from the European Fusion Research Consortium EUROfusion discusses the potential of fusion energy in achieving global decarbonization.
The energy landscape is rapidly evolving as the urgency to reduce carbon emissions and achieve energy security increases. Fusion energy has long been considered a science dream, but it is now approaching a pivotal moment that could redefine how we power the world. With strong partnerships between the public and private sectors, science and industry are integrating approaches to fusion power generation.
As a potential source of clean and reliable baseload energy, nuclear fusion has the potential to fill the critical gap left by existing renewable technologies such as wind and solar. With recent breakthroughs and increased investment, fusion energy is emerging as a cornerstone of the future energy mix, complementing renewables and reshaping the path towards sustainable and resilient energy systems. It’s ready.
Credit: EUROfusion Consortium and F4E
Fusion: Ultimate Baseload Power
Unlike renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which are intermittent and dependent on weather conditions, fusion provides a consistent and reliable source of power. In the nuclear fusion process, atomic nuclei combine to release large amounts of energy, just as happens in stars. This process has the potential to generate electricity 24/7, regardless of external conditions. Fusion’s fuel, deuterium and tritium, comes from resources such as seawater and lithium. Fusion is not only sustainable because it requires 10 million times less fuel than a coal-fired power plant to release the same amount of energy, but it also avoids the geopolitical risks and supply chain risks associated with fossil fuels. It is also safe from risks.
Fusion as an energy source is inherently safe, emits no carbon dioxide, produces no long-lived nuclear waste, and poses no risk of meltdown. The byproducts of fusion reactions are helium and short-lived low-to-moderate radioactivity, which is much easier to manage than the high-level waste from fission reactors. This positions fusion power as a unique clean baseload power source that can operate continuously, balancing the variability of other renewable energies and stabilizing the power grid.
Beyond electricity: heat generation and its applications
Fusion’s potential extends beyond power generation, as it also generates heat that can be used for specific applications, such as district heating. Currently, the heat produced by fusion reactors is not suitable for all industrial processes, especially those that require very high temperatures, such as hydrogen production and advanced manufacturing processes. This limit is used to maintain the reliability of materials such as Eurofer steel, which is a reduction activated ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel developed specifically for fusion environments. This happens because you need to keep it below.
Credit: UKAEA
However, this limitation is related to the materials currently used. In the future, different materials may be developed that can withstand higher temperatures, opening the door to a wider range of industrial applications. Advances in materials science may allow the heat produced in nuclear fusion to be applied to higher temperature processes.
Eurofer steel is designed to withstand the high radiation and high temperature conditions typical of fusion reactors and is essential for critical components such as breeding blankets and diverters. However, exceeding certain temperature limits can compromise Eurofer’s structural integrity, limiting its suitability for some high-temperature industrial applications compared to heat from nuclear fission reactors. Nevertheless, material innovations on the horizon could enable fusion reactors to produce heat suitable for more demanding industrial applications.
Fusion heat provides a valuable resource for district heating and other medium-temperature applications, helping to reduce fossil fuels in residential and some commercial facilities. As materials technology evolves, the potential applications of fusion heat will also evolve, perhaps extending its role beyond moderate applications to a broader range of industrial processes.
EUROfusion: Leading the way towards a fusion future
EUROfusion, Europe’s leading fusion research consortium, is at the forefront of this transformation. Our mission goes beyond advancing fusion science. We are committed to bringing fusion to market as an integral part of Europe’s decarbonized energy portfolio.
EUROfusion’s research supports ITER, the world’s largest nuclear fusion experiment, taking place in the south of France. At ITER, 35 countries collaborate to demonstrate the scientific and technological feasibility of fusion energy. Our work will directly contribute to overcoming the remaining technological hurdles and ensure that nuclear fusion can complement existing energy sources within the next few decades.
EUROfusion’s leadership in fusion research goes beyond scientific achievements. It’s about creating a sustainable and economically viable energy future. Our strength lies in our global expertise, collaborative spirit, and ability to bring together a cohesive research community that seeks to expand and build strong partnerships as equal partners with industry and private convergence ventures. It is located in This approach has already led to major advances in plasma physics, materials science, and nuclear reactor design, paving the way for nuclear fusion to become a practical and competitive energy source.
The role of nuclear fusion in the future energy mix
As the world moves toward electrification, especially in sectors such as transportation, heavy industry, and data centers, the demand for reliable, clean energy will only increase. Fusion offers unique synergies with renewable energy. By providing consistent baseload power, Fusion can reduce the need for large-scale battery storage and grid balancing techniques, which are cost- and resource-intensive. This integration will result in a more resilient and cost-effective energy system where renewables provide variable power and fusion ensures a stable supply, optimizing the overall performance and reliability of the grid. may come true.
Overcoming challenges and looking ahead
Although the potential of nuclear fusion is enormous, challenges remain. The transition from experimental reactors to commercial power plants requires significant investment, regulatory clarity, and continued technological innovation. Recent advances such as achieving net energy gain (measuring the energy produced by a fusion reaction compared to the energy delivered to the fuel) have galvanized global interest and investment. However, this measure does not yet take into account the total energy required for system operation, highlighting the need for further development.
Working closely with international partners in research and industry, EUROfusion is committed to tackling these challenges head-on and bringing fusion energy from the laboratory to the power grid. Our work aligns with the broader global goal of achieving climate neutrality, with the understanding that the major impacts of fusion will be felt from 2050 onwards. Nuclear fusion is poised to help meet the growing energy demands of a transitioning world, while ensuring the benefits of this clean and safe technology. is shared around the world and supports energy justice by enabling all countries to power their societies and foster development.
next big leap
Fusion represents the next big leap forward in energy technology, a leap forward that EUROfusion is leading with vision, innovation and collaboration. As we stand on the brink of realizing the potential of nuclear fusion, we call on policymakers, industry leaders, and the public to join us in supporting this revolutionary technology. Nuclear fusion is more than just a scientific milestone. A future of clean, reliable and abundant energy that powers the next generation and beyond.
With nuclear fusion, we have the opportunity to redefine baseload energy and secure a sustainable future for all.
This article will also be published in the 20th issue of the quarterly magazine.
