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How the U.S. is losing ground to China in nuclear fusion, as AI power needs surge

How the U.S. is losing ground to China in nuclear fusion, as AI power needs surge

  • 16.03.2025 16:51
  • msn.com
  • Keywords: China, U.S.

The U.S. is losing its lead to China in nuclear fusion due to increased spending and faster project development. Fusion's potential as a clean, limitless energy source is critical for meeting AI power demands, with implications for global energy leadership.

Microsoft ReportsMeta Reports

Estimated market influence

Commonwealth Fusion Systems

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A startup born out of MIT that is a leader in fusion energy technology. It has raised significant funding and is working on projects like SPARC tokamak and the ARC reactor.

Helion

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Analyst rating: N/A

A U.S.-based company that has raised $1 billion and aims to deliver fusion power to the grid by 2028. It is also facing challenges from Chinese replication of its designs.

TAE Technologies

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A company working on advanced fusion technologies, with a focus on developing practical applications for energy production.

Lawrence Livermore National Ignition Facility (NIF)

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A U.S. facility that achieved historic fusion ignition in 2022.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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A leading educational institution contributing to fusion research and development through its startups like Commonwealth Fusion Systems.

Energy Singularity

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A Chinese company benefiting from China's efficient supply chain, which may pose a competitive threat to U.S. fusion efforts.

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

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Analyst rating: N/A

An international project involving multiple countries, including China, experiencing delays and challenges in its development.

Context

Analysis of U.S.-China Competition in Nuclear Fusion

Investment Trends

  • U.S. private fusion investments: Surged to over $8 billion since 2021 (up from $1.2 billion in 2021).
  • Chinese public funding: Approximately $1.5 billion annually, significantly outpacing U.S. federal spending (~$800 million annually).
  • Key startups:
    • Commonwealth Fusion Systems raised nearly $2 billion from investors like Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.
    • Helion secured $1 billion in funding, including a partnership with Microsoft to deliver grid-scale fusion by 2028.

Technological Advancements

  • U.S. projects:
    • SPARC tokamak (Massachusetts) aims for fusion ignition by 2027.
    • ARC project targeting commercial fusion power in the early 2030s.
  • Chinese advancements:
    • Satellite images reveal a massive laser-fusion site in Mianyang, China, with a containment dome twice the size of NIF (National Ignition Facility).
    • EAST tokamak holds records for plasma confinement duration, while CRAFT project ($700 million) is set to begin operations this year.

Public Funding and Strategic Gaps

  • U.S. funding lag: Despite private sector momentum, U.S. federal fusion funding remains lower than China's.
  • Regulatory challenges: U.S. regulatory hurdles slow adoption of innovative fusion technologies like fusion-fission hybrids.
  • Global leadership call: A group of U.S. senators and experts called for $10 billion in federal funding to maintain leadership, but progress has been slow.

Competitive Dynamics

  • Talent shortages: U.S. faces a "brain drain" as China attracts more fusion scientists (China leads with 10x the number of fusion-related doctorates).
  • Intellectual property concerns: Chinese companies reportedly copying U.S. patented designs, particularly in tokamak technology.
  • Supply chain dominance: China investing heavily in advanced materials critical for fusion projects, potentially cornering the market.

Long-Term Implications

  • Energy security: Fusion could revolutionize energy production, with applications for AI data centers and other high-power needs.
  • Global leadership: Whoever masters fusion will likely dominate clean energy markets and influence global AI development.
  • Regulatory and strategic focus: Sustained investment and regulatory reforms are crucial to prevent China from achieving fusion commercialization first.

Conclusion

The U.S. risks losing its lead in nuclear fusion due to underinvestment, slower technological adoption, and talent shortages, while China's rapid progress and significant public funding could position it as a global leader in clean energy. Immediate action is needed to ensure U.S. competitiveness in this critical field.