The U.S. Fusion Evolution from Science to Commercialization

Fusion energy is moving from science to commercialization faster than ever. In this episode of Fusion Forward, Alex speaks with Scott Hsu, fusion scientist, former U.S. DOE Lead Fusion Coordinator, and now investor at Lowercarbon Capital, about the key milestones that shaped fusion’s progress, from early plasma physics breakthroughs to the rise of private fusion companies and modern policy programs like the DOE Milestone Program. Scott shares what it takes to shift national strategy, why public-private partnerships matter, and what he expects to see in the next five years as fusion races toward Q>1 and pilot plants in the 2030s.About the guestScott Hsu is a fusion scientist, former Fusion Lead at U.S. Department of Energy, and current venture capital investor focused on fusion commercialization. Scott is now at Lowercarbon Capital, where he works with the firm’s dedicated fusion fund, Q>1, investing in leading fusion companies. He previously served at ARPA-E where he funded nearly 50 R&D projects to accelerate fusion energy, and later became DOE’s Lead Fusion Coordinator, helping shape national strategy around industry-led fusion pilot plants and public-private partnerships.