The promise of producing limitless power by fusing atoms has tantalised scientists for decades — but always seemed just out of reach.
Now, a series of scientific breakthroughs and a rush of private investment is raising hopes that commercial fusion power could yet play a meaningful role in cutting global emissions before 2050.
“There’s no point this technology arriving in 2048 because it’s too late,” says Chris Kelsall, chief executive of Tokamak Energy, which is one of more than 35 private fusion companies worldwide betting they can deliver commercially viable fusion power in the next decade. “We’re very focused on delivering demonstration of the technology, net electricity into the grid, in the early- to mid-2030s.”