In just a few years, China has built a world-class fusion research campus from scratch, while the U.S. still lacks anything comparable. This reflects China’s growing investment in nuclear fusion, considered by many scientists as the ultimate solution for clean energy.
If U.S. companies don’t lead in this area, jobs and economic benefits will shift to China. The race to achieve and commercialize fusion energy is heating up, with significant global implications if China takes the lead.
The Potential of Fusion Energy
Fusion has the potential to provide nearly unlimited energy with no carbon emissions and minimal radioactivity. It works by fusing two small atoms, such as hydrogen, into a heavier one, releasing a massive amount of energy. To achieve this, the atoms are heated to extremely high temperatures to form plasma, a mix of positively and negatively charged particles.
Changing Perceptions of Fusion
Until about five years ago, fusion was seen as a long-term scientific challenge, with open global collaboration among scientists. However, there is now growing recognition that fusion could soon become a critical energy source.
Some experts believe fusion energy could be integrated into power grids as early as the 2030s.
China’s Leadership in Fusion
China joined the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project in 2003 and has since heavily invested in fusion research, infrastructure, and workforce development. One of the most promising designs for a fusion reactor is the tokamak, which uses powerful magnetic fields to confine plasma.
The U.S. has two main government-funded tokamaks, while China has three, with a fourth expected by 2027. Additionally, China has ten times more PhDs in fusion science and engineering than the U.S. and is training 1,000 new plasma physicists.
Chinese tokamaks often use superconducting magnets, which can operate continuously for days or weeks, unlike the copper magnets used in most U.S. facilities.
Copying Concerns and U.S. Challenges
China has been accused of copying U.S. designs for fusion reactors. For example, its new tokamak is allegedly based on designs from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a U.S. company. Similarly, China’s EAST tokamak was built using ideas originally developed in the U.S. but never pursued due to budget constraints.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has defended its efforts, stating that its fusion facilities are still globally competitive. However, some U.S. scientists argue that the nation’s fusion infrastructure is outdated compared to China’s.
China’s Roadmap for Fusion
China aims to build its first industrial prototype fusion reactor by 2035 and begin large-scale commercial fusion production by 2050. To support these goals, China is spending double what the U.S. allocates to fusion research and has launched a state-owned company to coordinate national resources.
Private Sector Progress
The U.S. leads in private investment in fusion, with over 50% of fusion companies founded since 1992 being American, compared to just 4% in China. However, China’s private sector is catching up, with startups like Energy Singularity rapidly developing fusion devices.
One challenge for the U.S. is scaling up fusion once the technology is commercialized. China’s dominance in manufacturing supply chains, including components like power electronics and capacitors, gives it a significant advantage.
Global Implications
If China wins the race to fusion, it could strengthen its global influence, using the technology to support its allies through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative. This could lead to long-term economic and political dependence on China.
The Need for U.S. Action
U.S. experts emphasize the importance of public-private partnerships to accelerate fusion development, citing NASA’s support for SpaceX as a successful model. Fusion is a long-term challenge requiring sustained effort over decades, and maintaining this momentum will be critical for the U.S. to stay competitive.
