Learning from the Sun to decarbonise Europe’s power with fusion energy

Deemed as the "holy grail" of energy production, fusion is the process that powers the Sun and other stars and can be a game-changer for the future of zero carbon energy as it does not emit greenhouse gases, is virtually inexhaustible and safe.Fusion science and technology have a long history in Europe. ITER, a collaborative research project between 35 nations, is one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world, designed to prove the feasibility of fusion as a large-scale and carbon-free source of energy.The urgency of fighting climate change is giving renewed momentum to these efforts, attracting private capital into different fusion projects, with the objective of making fusion a business reality, and at the same time providing electricity from fusion to the grid. Support through investment and public-private partnerships in order to speed up research can lead to industrial-scale development of fusion technology.But where does the EU stand when it comes to technological development? What is needed for more progress in this field? Is the regulatory framework fostering innovation?Relisten to this EURACTIV Hybrid Conference to find out the potential of fusion technology for transforming the European energy mix and achieving a green and sustainable energy transition.Addressed questions included:- What is the future of fusion energy in Europe?- What could stimulate more investment in this novel energy source?- What are the advantages of ITER and what can be learned from the project?- What steps are needed for developing a roadmap for the future commercialisation of fusion power in Europe and beyond?