The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the release of its Fusion Science and Technology (FS&T) Roadmap, which aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of fusion energy. The initiative seeks to bring commercial fusion power to the U.S. electricity grid by the mid-2030s.
The roadmap is part of a broader strategy, described as Build–Innovate–Grow, which seeks to align public investment with private sector innovation. This approach is designed to strengthen domestic energy production, support critical supply chains, and promote American-made energy solutions.
The announcement supports President Trump’s Executive Order on Unleashing American Energy, emphasizing the administration’s focus on expanding domestic energy resources and reinforcing U.S. energy dominance.
Energy Department Under Secretary for Science Dr. Darío Gil stated, “The Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap brings unprecedented coordination across America’s fusion enterprise. For the first time, DOE, industry, and our National Labs will be aligned with a shared purpose—to accelerate the path to commercial fusion power and strengthen America’s leadership in energy innovation. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, the Department is streamlining the full strength of the U.S. scientific and industrial base to deliver fusion energy faster than ever before.”
The roadmap was presented during a series of events in Washington, D.C., that gathered leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss advancements in fusion energy.
Input from over 600 scientists, engineers, and industry stakeholders contributed to identifying key research, materials, and technology gaps necessary for realizing a Fusion Pilot Plant (FPP) and maintaining U.S. leadership in the global fusion sector.
The FS&T Roadmap outlines three main priorities: building critical infrastructure to address gaps in fusion materials and technology; fostering innovation through research, computing, and artificial intelligence; and expanding the U.S. fusion ecosystem through partnerships, manufacturing hubs, and workforce development.
Jean Paul Allain, Associate Director of DOE’s Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, said, “Fusion is real, near, and ready for coordinated action. This roadmap provides the strategic foundation for building the scientific, technical, and industrial base needed to ensure American leadership in commercial fusion on an ambitious timeline.”
Currently, more than $9 billion in private investment is advancing demonstration projects and prototype reactors. The DOE’s coordinated national effort focuses on addressing technical challenges related to materials, plasma systems, fuel cycles, and plant engineering. The roadmap details plans for investments in six core areas: structural materials, plasma-facing components, confinement systems, fuel cycle, blankets, and plant engineering and integration.
The DOE emphasized that future funding for these initiatives will depend on Congressional appropriations. The roadmap does not commit the agency to specific funding levels but prioritizes collaboration with the U.S. fusion industry as it seeks to scale up domestic efforts by the 2030s.
The full text of the Fusion Science & Technology Roadmap is available at https://www.energy.gov/fusion-energy.
