Introduction

Fusion energy represents a promising avenue for generating clean, abundant, and sustainable power by replicating the processes that fuel the sun. Achieving practical fusion energy has been a longstanding scientific and engineering challenge. Recent milestones have marked significant progress toward this goal.

National Ignition Facility's Breakthrough

On December 5, 2022, the National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory achieved a historic milestone by attaining fusion ignition. This event marked the first controlled fusion experiment to produce more energy than the laser energy used to initiate it. The experiment generated 3.15 megajoules of energy from a 2.05 megajoule input, demonstrating a net energy gain and providing valuable insights into fusion energy's potential. DOE National Laboratory Makes History by Achieving Fusion Ignition

Advancements in Tokamak Technology

Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)

China's EAST tokamak has achieved several significant milestones. In May 2021, it reached an electron temperature of 120 million degrees Celsius for 101 seconds. On December 30, 2021, EAST sustained a high-parameter plasma operation for 1,056 seconds, setting a world record for tokamak operation duration. These achievements demonstrate substantial progress in maintaining stable plasma conditions necessary for sustained fusion reactions. Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak

SPARC Project

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is developing the SPARC tokamak. SPARC aims to demonstrate net energy gain and pave the way for commercial fusion power plants. In June 2024, CFS signed a $15 million agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy to advance this project, highlighting the growing public-private partnerships in fusion energy development. Commonwealth Fusion Systems Signs $15 Million DOE Agreement To Advance Commercial Fusion Energy

Policy and Funding Initiatives

The U.S. Department of Energy has launched several initiatives to accelerate fusion energy research. In January 2025, the DOE announced $107 million in funding for six projects under the Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives. This program aims to support the development of commercial fusion energy by fostering collaboration between national laboratories, universities, and private companies. U.S. Department of Energy Announces Selectees for $107 Million Fusion Innovation Research Engine Collaboratives

International Efforts

ITER Project

The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is a large-scale scientific project involving 35 countries, aiming to demonstrate the feasibility of fusion energy. As of 2024, ITER was approximately 85% complete toward its first plasma, with full plasma current operations scheduled for 2034. ITER represents a significant international collaboration in the pursuit of fusion energy. ITER

China's Fusion Research Facility

In January 2025, satellite imagery revealed that China is constructing a large laser-ignited fusion research facility in Mianyang. This facility, similar in design to the U.S. National Ignition Facility, could advance research into clean energy from fusion and enhance nuclear weapons design capabilities. Images show China building huge fusion research facility, analysts say

Conclusion

The pursuit of fusion energy has seen remarkable milestones in recent years, from achieving fusion ignition to advancements in tokamak technology and significant policy initiatives. These developments bring the vision of practical fusion energy closer to reality, promising a future of clean and abundant power.