The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will invest $134 million in two programs to develop emerging fusion technologies and innovation and bridge the DOE’s Fusion Energy Science research programs with growing industries.
Fusion is a potential power source generated from nuclear fusion — a process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus that releases vast amounts of energy. It has the potential to provide abundant, reliable energy by replicating the same process that powers the sun and stars.
DOE is announcing $128 million for the Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) collaboratives. The funding was awarded to seven teams that are focused on creating a fusion energy science and technology innovation ecosystem by forming virtual, centrally managed teams.
The department plans to invest up to $220 million in total funding for the FIRE collaboratives through 2030, DOE said.
DOE is also announcing $6.1 million in funding for the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program, which will fund 20 projects that accelerate private-sector fusion energy development by facilitating collaboration between businesses and national laboratories or universities.
Projects include research in materials science, laser technology development, high temperature superconducting magnet assessment, artificial intelligence learning for fusion modeling and simulation, and enabling technologies to move toward achieving economical fusion energy.
INFUSE solicited proposals from the fusion industry and selected projects for one-year awards. The selected projects range from $100,000 and $500,000 each.
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