Japan chooses national nuclear fusion strategy as competition intensifies | outside

The strategy calls for greater private sector involvement in fusion energy research and development. Fusion energy is a form of energy generated by nuclear fusion. It is considered the ultimate source of energy without CO2 emissions.

Many scientists claim that the commercialization of fusion energy is still decades away. It aims to generate electricity around 2050, with fusion not becoming a viable climate solution until the second half of the century. However, Japan has made a significant contribution to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a 35-year international research collaboration that aims to begin fusion testing in 2035.

The environment surrounding fusion research has changed rapidly in recent years. Overseas investors are pouring billions of dollars into projects that promise to get commercial reactors up and running much faster than ITER is currently doing. Japan enjoys technological superiority in the manufacturing industry. This came through research and development in the past. “Japan risks supplying only technology and thus losing the ‘manufacturing race’ among its competitors.”

According to the strategy, the government will set up a merger industry council by March next year to develop related industries. It will also develop guidelines to ensure the safety of fusion technology. As a next step, the country will accelerate collaboration between industry and academia, with the National Institutes of Quantum Science and Technology (QST) playing a central role. QST focuses on the development of quantum science and technology. Moreover, the government will prioritize fusion energy education in Japanese universities to nurture professionals in the field and attract foreign talents.