AI ignites innovation in fusion

In describing the R&D program of the ITER device, the new baseline ITER Research Plan also identifies the top R&D issues requiring consolidation or refinement. In the interest of making these R&D support needs more widely accessible to the fusion research community, scientists at the ITER Organization have just released a consolidated updated list as an ITER Technical Report.

The report, published on 30 May 2025, provides the description of a selected set of issues related to completion of systems' designs, specific choices and options to be explored in the early stages of the IITER Research Plan, and strategic assumptions on the development of the Plan's experimental program towards high Q operation.

The support from ITER Member fusion research institutes provides an essential contribution to the further refinement of the ITER Research Plan. Making these R&D needs publicly available is intended to strengthen this support. 

Visit the ITER Technical Reports page of the ITER website, or download the 32-page document directly here.

The Fusion Industry Association (FIA) has released its 2025 Supply Chain Report. The annual report, which surveyed 22 private fusion companies and 57 suppliers, finds a 73% spending increase among respondants, from around USD 250 million in 2023 to USD 434 million in 2024 (and not all companies responded). The FIA anticipates that supply chain spending will grow by another 25% this year. 

Eighty-six percent of those surveyed saw their fusion-related business increase last year. The 57 suppliers who responded reported investing a combined USD 230 million on building new capacity (including people and machinery) to support this growth.

Concerns remain amongst fusion companies and suppliers regarding challenges in meeting the increasing demand. Nearly a third of fusion companies (31%) expressed concern about the availability of precision engineering and manufacturing suppliers to meet current commercial needs, rising to 63% for future needs. Every company surveyed named at least one key component or material where they had concerns about short- or long-term availability. 

From the report: "Overall, the biggest challenge remains the 'chicken or egg' problem; suppliers need to know that there will be a market to invest in, but fusion companies struggle to commit long-term in advance of hitting timeline milestones. A third of suppliers (31%) are prepared to take the risk of growing capacity to support fusion, and almost half (46%) will do so if there is some risk-sharing. Nonetheless, 83% currently see business risks associated with selling to the fusion industry."

The report can be downloaded from the FIA website at this address.

At the heart of fusion energy lies one of the universe’s most untamed elements: plasma—a high-energy state of matter seen in lightning, the aurora, and most spectacularly, in our sun. Scientists have spent decades trying to control it. But why? 

In this episode, host Kruti Fayot dives into the fascinating world of plasma: what it is, why it’s essential for fusion, how it’s being tamed inside machines like ITER, and the surprising role AI might play in the future of clean energy. Featuring insights from ITER experts Javier Artola, Michael Walsh, and Alberto Loarte, with a special introduction by plasma physicist Melanie Windridge and fusion analyst Jack Moore. If you’ve ever looked up at the Northern Lights or wondered how we’ll power the future — this one's for you.

Episode 3 of Behind the Science of Fusion is available now.

Find it on the ITER website's podcast page or open it directly here. You can also find the ITER podcast at Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, and Podbean.

Over the course of one very long day last week, sector module #7 was removed from vertical tooling and transferred into the tokamak pit where it now sits on temporary supports. The spectacular operation will be the subject of a detailed video, with interviews, later this week. For the time being, you can watch the operation in accelerated form in this 90-second time-lapse video.

See the video on YouTube here.