Six German states unite for fusion research

"Working together, they intend to advance this technological development quickly, effectively, and with strategic coordination," the states said in a joint statement. "The goal of the Fusion Alliance is the research, development, construction, and operation of commercially used fusion reactors - through cooperation between industry and research institutions. Germany aims to assume a leading global role in this future technology and realise the dream of a clean, always-available energy source."

The six states have each made significant preliminary contributions in fusion research. These efforts are now "to be pooled, networked, and significantly expanded". Close coordination and mutual support among the partners have been agreed upon, also with regard to Germany's High-Tech Agenda and the Federal Government's Action Plan on Nuclear Fusion.

The projects include, among other things, the targeted expansion of training for young scientists, engineers and technicians in the field of fusion research, networking in fusion research, for example through cross-border master's and graduate programmes and workshops, the joint use of existing research infrastructures, mutual access to the facilities of the partners and for companies, cooperation with the supplier industry, which has already demonstrated its technological know-how in the construction of the existing research facilities, and cooperation with European research institutions and companies.

The alliance focuses on two approaches to fusion: laser-induced inertial confinement fusion and magnetic confinement fusion. "Exploring both technologies in parallel distributes technological risks and increases the likelihood of finding the most economical solutions for a reliable energy supply across diverse application requirements," the states said. The resulting task packages for each participating state were defined in the jointly signed framework agreement.

The alliance said it remains open to further technological developments and partners.

On 1 October, the German cabinet announced it had approved the federal government's action plan aimed at accelerating commercial fusion deployment in Germany. By 2029, more than EUR2 billion (USD2.3 billion) will be invested in fusion research, as well as the development of new research infrastructures and pilot projects. The Fusion Action Plan implements a flagship measure of the High-Tech Agenda Germany - announced in July by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space - in fusion, identified as one of six critical future technologies for the country.

In September 2023, then Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger announced that Germany would significantly increase research funding for fusion with an additional EUR370 million over the next five years. Together with funds already earmarked for research institutions, the ministry will provide more than EUR1 billion for fusion research by 2028. The move was aimed at paving the way for the first fusion power plant to be constructed in Germany by 2040.