The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has released its Fusion Science and Technology (FS&T) Roadmap, outlining a national plan to speed up the development and commercialization of fusion energy. The goal is to deliver commercial fusion power to the electrical grid by the mid-2030s. The roadmap is part of DOE’s Build–Innovate–Grow strategy, which aims to coordinate public investment and private sector innovation.
This initiative supports President Trump’s Executive Order Unleashing American Energy, which seeks to increase domestic energy production and strengthen the nation’s energy infrastructure. According to the DOE, the new roadmap is designed to help rebuild critical supply chains and support the growth of reliable, domestically produced energy.
Energy Department Under Secretary for Science Dr. Darío Gil stated, “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 announced during a series of U.S. Fusion Energy Enterprise Events in Washington, D.C., which brought together leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss the future of fusion energy in the United States.
The document was developed with input from over 600 scientists, engineers, and industry stakeholders. It identifies research, materials, and technology gaps that must be addressed to realize a Fusion Pilot Plant (FPP) and enhance U.S. leadership in the global fusion sector.
The FS&T Roadmap is structured around three main objectives: building critical infrastructure, innovating through advanced research and technology, and growing the U.S. fusion ecosystem via partnerships, manufacturing hubs, and workforce development.
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.”
Private investment in fusion technology has already exceeded $9 billion, advancing projects such as burning-plasma demonstrations and prototype reactors. The DOE is working with national laboratories, industry, universities, and international partners to address technical challenges in areas like materials, plasma systems, fuel cycles, and plant engineering.
The roadmap details DOE’s plan for coordinated investments in six key areas: structural materials, plasma-facing components, confinement systems, fuel cycle, blankets, and plant engineering and integration. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of public-private partnerships and regional manufacturing hubs for workforce development.
The DOE notes that while the roadmap sets strategic directions, it does not commit the department to specific funding levels. Future funding will depend on Congressional appropriations.
The full Fusion Science & Technology Roadmap is available at https://www.energy.gov/fusion-energy.
