The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $134 million in funding for two programs aimed at strengthening American leadership in fusion energy research. The funding supports the next round of the Fusion Innovation Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives and the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) awards.
According to U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, “Under President Trump’s leadership, DOE is unleashing the next frontier of American energy. Fusion power holds the promise of limitless, reliable, American-made energy—and programs like INFUSE and FIRE ensure our innovators have the tools, talent, and partnerships to make it a reality.”
The DOE will allocate $128 million to seven teams through the FIRE Collaboratives. These teams are focused on creating a fusion energy science and technology innovation ecosystem by forming virtual, centrally managed groups that connect basic science research with industrial growth in fusion technologies.
Additionally, $6.1 million will be directed to 20 projects under the INFUSE program. These projects aim to accelerate private-sector fusion development by facilitating collaboration between businesses and national laboratories or universities. Selected topics include materials science, laser technology development, high temperature superconducting magnet assessment, artificial intelligence for modeling and simulation, and enabling technologies that support economical fusion energy.
Fusion energy is considered a promising source because it replicates the process powering stars and could offer abundant and reliable electricity. After passage of the Energy Act of 2020, DOE’s Fusion Energy Sciences program has sought to quicken commercial viability for fusion by partnering with private industry through initiatives such as INFUSE and FIRE Collaboratives.
DOE officials said these efforts are intended to maintain U.S. leadership in fusion research, strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains, and develop key technologies needed for national security and energy independence. They also follow President Trump’s executive order on Unleashing American Energy, which seeks to expand domestic production and foster cooperation across the growing U.S. fusion sector.
Project selection does not guarantee an award; final decisions depend on negotiation outcomes between DOE and applicants as well as future congressional appropriations.
A full list of selected projects is available on the Fusion Energy Sciences program homepage.
