The Commission has published a new independent report today which analyses the possibility of fostering public-private partnerships to encourage investment and innovation in fusion energy technologies. The report notes that the number of private companies investing in fusion projects is growing, in particular thanks to recent technological breakthroughs in fusion research. The conclusion drawn is that there is a significant opportunity for the industry to rise as the driver of fusion development, rather than merely as the supplier of components or services. The report also suggests options for developing a proper private-public partnership for the fusion sector, assessing their pros and cons.
Up until now, the EU financing process in the fusion domain has been primarily led by public bodies investing enormous resources in big projects. Industry has tended to take a much more passive role, only becoming active once they have received contracts for procuring services or components. The Commission is looking at developing a new strategic approach with a long-term vision. This approach would entail fostering public-private partnerships to close technological gaps, enhance industrial investment and prioritise innovation and technology transfer. In perspective, a robust, competitive and sustainable industrial base is needed to support the completion of ITER, as well as the construction of future fusion devices to pursue fusion commercialisation endeavours.
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