Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program
| Type | Program |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Organization | Office of Fusion Energy Sciences |
| Top Organization | N/A |
| Creation Legislation | Energy Act of 2020 |
| Website | Website |
| Purpose | To accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy by funding private companies to meet specific technical and commercial milestones towards the development of fusion power plants, ensuring progress in fusion technology is measurable and economically viable.[1] |
| Program Start | 2023 |
| Initial Funding | $46 million[2] |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Historic | Yes |
Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program is designed to catalyze the development of commercial fusion energy by providing federal funding to private companies based on their achievement of predefined technical and commercialization milestones. This approach aims to de-risk fusion technology development, promote public-private partnerships, and accelerate the path to a fusion pilot plant.[3]
Goals
- Support the design and development of fusion pilot plants.[4]
- Validate and advance fusion technologies through measurable milestones.
- Promote economic viability and market readiness of fusion energy.
Organization
Managed by the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences within the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, this program selects companies through a competitive process. Each company works towards achieving milestones agreed upon with DOE, which are evaluated for progress and funding release. Leadership is provided by program managers from FES.
The leader of the program might hold a title like **Program Manager for Fusion Energy Development**.
Partners
- No specific partnerships are listed, but the program involves close collaboration with selected private fusion companies.
History
Authorized by the **Energy Act of 2020**, the program officially launched with its first funding announcement in May 2023. This initiative reflects a shift towards milestone-driven funding for fusion, inspired by successful models like NASA's Commercial Orbital Transportation Services. Key events include the selection of eight companies for the first round of funding, focusing on a range of fusion technologies from tokamaks to inertial confinement.
Funding
The initial funding for the program was $46 million, distributed among eight companies for the first 18-month period of performance.[5] The program is planned to run for five years, with funding for subsequent periods contingent on meeting earlier milestones and additional appropriations.
Implementation
Implementation involves:
- Competitive selection of companies based on their fusion technology and commercial potential.
- Agreement on specific, measurable milestones for technical and commercial progress.
- Regular review and validation of milestone achievements to release funds.
The program has a defined duration of five years, with the possibility of extension based on success.
Related
External links
- https://www.energy.gov/science/fes/milestone-based-fusion-development-program
- wikipedia:Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program
Social media
- No specific social media accounts for this program; follow the Department of Energy for updates.
References
- ↑ "Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program". https://www.energy.gov/science/fes/milestone-based-fusion-development-program. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Department of Energy Announces $46 Million for Commercial Fusion Energy Development". https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-46-million-commercial-fusion-energy-development. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program". https://www.energy.gov/science/fes/milestone-based-fusion-development-program. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program". https://www.energy.gov/science/fes/milestone-based-fusion-development-program. Retrieved January 30, 2025.
- ↑ "Department of Energy Announces $46 Million for Commercial Fusion Energy Development". https://www.energy.gov/articles/department-energy-announces-46-million-commercial-fusion-energy-development. Retrieved January 30, 2025.