Back to the future: Revisiting the perspectives on nuclear fusion and juxtaposition to existing energy sources

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) 2024-03, Vol.290, p.129150, Article 129150
• Main Authors: Sadik-Zada, Elkhan Richard, Gatto, Andrea, Weißnicht, Yannic
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy futures; Nuclear fission; Nuclear fusion; Renewable energy sources
• ISSN: 0360-5442
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.129150

This article reviews and launches perspectives on the progress of nuclear fusion research and development. To this end, the current state of nuclear fusion technology, the recent breakthroughs in nuclear fusion research occurred in the US, Japan, and China, the role of private companies and investments in nuclear fusion research and development are investigated for both advanced and emerging economies. The survey draws upon academic sources and media contributions from experts in the field of nuclear fusion. While nuclear fusion has reached the break-even point in the generation of nuclear fusion electricity, there are still serious challenges that will obviate the market alignment of nuclear fusion energy until the early 2030s – and more realistically the mid-2050s. Nonetheless, never in history, the level of public support and private engagement for nuclear fusion energy research and development has been as high as now. Furthermore, the study shows that there is a steadily increasing accumulation of scholarly knowledge on nuclear fusion and a broad consensus among the leading experts that nuclear fusion is the “holy grail” of the transition toward a post-resource, and hence, fully circular energy system. •Nuclear fusion is the “holy grail” of transition to an emission-free energy system.•Since 1983 the energy gain factor of nuclear fusion energy has been steadily growing.•The breakthrough of 2022 gave an impetus to further commercial interest in nuclear fusion energy research.•There are increasing public subsidization schemes, more engagement of established private enterprises, and a growing number of start-ups worldwide.•The earliest 2030 and latest 2050 nuclear fusion will be more competitive than conventional energy sources.•In the long run, nuclear fusion energy will crowd out conventional fossil fuels and other renewables.