Shaping a sustainable and emission-free energy future through targeted investments and cooperation while securing innovation and competitiveness – with the draft fusion action plan recently adopted by the German federal government, which allocates two billion euros for fusion research until 2029, a key step in German energy policy is imminent. With its comprehensive expertise in the fields of materials and production engineering as well as laser technology, the Fraunhofer Society is ready to put this plan into practice and realize its value creation potential.

Key technology of the future

Nuclear fusion has considerable potential as a forward-looking, sustainable energy source. Industrialized countries in particular need innovative concepts and solutions to tap into additional, base-load-capable energy sources that support the CO2-neutral energy mix of the future as well as our economic and innovative strength.

The recently adopted High-Tech Agenda Germany identifies “fusion and climate-neutral energy production” as one of the six key technologies that are crucial for the future of our country. An essential step in this direction is the recently adopted draft of the Fusion Action Plan.

Fraunhofer is one of the first movers

“Fraunhofer welcomes the draft Fusion Action Plan, which was approved by the cabinet today. For science and industry, this is a strong signal that Germany is determined to seize the opportunities offered by this future technology and is prepared to take a leading role in global competition,” said Professor Holger Hanselka, President of the Fraunhofer Society. “With its excellent expertise in research and technology, our country is ideally positioned to make CO2-neutral energy generation through fusion a reality.” Fraunhofer is one of the first movers in this field, according to Hanselka.

Dual approach

Professor Constantin Häfner, Executive Director for Research and Transfer at the Fraunhofer Society and an expert on fusion, adds: "The Fusion Action Plan is exactly what is needed to enable the necessary steps for early industrialization while continuing excellent basic research.

Only this determined, dual approach, which closely links research institutions such as Fraunhofer and the German high-tech industry, will secure Germany's leading role as an equipment supplier, generate early added value, and guarantee our technological sovereignty in the energy of the future."

Need for action and strategic investments

In recent years, remarkable scientific breakthroughs have been achieved, including the world's first ignition of burning plasma in laser-driven inertial fusion and significant advances in magnetic fusion. A global technology race has begun, with billions being invested in fusion research.

Spillover effects are already being felt today: technologies such as high-power lasers and modern manufacturing systems are benefiting directly from developments in fusion research. They not only strengthen industry, but also create jobs and open up export opportunities for technologies made in Germany.

Effectively bringing together research and industry

In its “Moonshot Innovation Brief,” the Fraunhofer Society therefore calls for the creation of networked technology hubs to effectively bring together research and industry, scale applications, and secure a leading role in laser fusion. The role of the state as an anchor customer that specifically promotes cooperation between research institutions and industry is crucial in this regard. High-risk projects that involve high development costs should also be supported by the state in order to facilitate private investment.

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