The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released its Fusion Science and Technology (FS&T) Roadmap, which aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of fusion energy. The strategy, known as Build–Innovate–Grow, is designed to align public investment with private sector innovation, with the goal of delivering commercial fusion power to the grid by the mid-2030s.
This initiative is part of the Administration’s broader energy agenda, following President Trump’s Executive Order Unleashing American Energy. The DOE states that by speeding up the path to commercial fusion power, the United States will strengthen its electrical grid, rebuild key supply chains, and enhance domestic energy production.
Energy Department Under Secretary for Science Dr. Darío Gil said, “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 introduced during a series of U.S. Fusion Energy Enterprise Events in Washington, D.C., which gather leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss fusion energy's future in the United States.
Input from over 600 scientists, engineers, and industry stakeholders informed the roadmap. It highlights key areas that need advancement to achieve a Fusion Pilot Plant (FPP) and bolster U.S. leadership in the global fusion sector.
The strategy centers on three main objectives: building critical infrastructure to address materials and technology gaps, fostering innovation through advanced research and new technologies like artificial intelligence, and expanding the U.S. fusion ecosystem with public-private partnerships and workforce initiatives.
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.”
The DOE notes that more than $9 billion in private investment has already been committed to burning-plasma demonstrations and prototype reactors. The department is coordinating efforts to address remaining technical challenges such as materials development, plasma systems, fuel cycles, and plant engineering.
The roadmap details DOE's plans for investment in six key fusion science and technology areas: structural materials, plasma-facing components, confinement systems, fuel cycle processes, blankets, and plant engineering.
DOE’s future support for the roadmap's milestones depends on the development of public-private partnerships and Congressional appropriations. The roadmap itself does not specify funding levels.
The full Fusion Science & Technology Roadmap is available at https://www.energy.gov/fusion-energy.
