German startups want to seize historic opportunity: first commercial fusion power plant by end of 2030s

German nuclear fusion startups expect the first industrial pilot plants by 2030 and the first commercial one by the end of the 2030s. Leading European startups have called on the German government to provide support to seize the historic opportunity.

Nuclear fusion is seen as a silver bullet for the growing energy demand and energy transition. However, experts believe commercial power plants are still a long way away. But United States Energy Secretary Chris Wright recently said there is no reason to worry too much about emissions and claimed that within five years, artificial intelligence (AI) would enable harnessing nuclear fusion.

German startups Proxima Fusion, Marvel Fusion, and Focused Energy presented a joint roadmap on the development of Germany’s fusion industry – Drei Punkte für Deutschlands Chance auf die eigene Fusionsindustrie: Jetzt oder nie. It aims to help the country make the leap from research to industrial application. Complementing the High-Tech Agenda of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, the three companies are calling for concrete measures and appropriate funding instruments.

The US, UK, and China are creating a clear regulatory framework and attracting private capital

According to the document, Germany boasts a unique diversity in fusion technology.

Proxima Fusion relies on the latest stellarator technology, while Marvel Fusion and Focused Energy focus on the newest concepts for laser fusion. The diversity is highlighted as a strategic advantage that must be leveraged through consistent technology openness.

The group said the German fusion industry has set specific milestones aligned with the High-Tech Agenda. The first industrial pilot plants could be materialized by 2030, and the first commercial fusion power plant could be put into operation by the late 2030s, the firms claimed.

Three measures were proposed

With the agenda and one of the strongest fusion ecosystems worldwide, including three leading European fusion companies, Germany has a unique, historic opportunity to develop its own fusion energy industry and secure its long-term economic and technological sovereignty, the document reads. It adds that a political decision must be made in the coming months.

The startups noted that the global race for expertise in fusion is gaining momentum, with the US, the United Kingdom, and China establishing regulatory frameworks and attracting private capital.

The federal government is set to discuss fusion energy on October 1, so the three companies are calling for three key measures:

• Implement the High-Tech Agenda, kicking off Germany’s fusion industry with clearly defined goals and a roadmap to demonstrator facilities in the 2030s.
• Strengthen the industrial base: initial state funding of at least EUR 3 billion by 2029, opening the way for 20% to 50% more in private capital, and funding based on achieved goals through instruments such as SPRIND and KfW.
• Create regulations: Clear distinction from nuclear fission, without applying the Atomic Energy Act, but instead a legal framework compatible with European standards.

Time to turn scientific excellence into commercial technological leadership

Francesco Sciortino, Proxima Fusion CEO, underlined that a relentless pioneering spirit, a decade of work, and billions in investments have brought Germany to the forefront of fusion science. Now is the time to translate this strength into commercial technological leadership, he added.

According to Moritz von der Linden, CEO of Marvel Fusion, his company is ready with scalable technology, a world-class team, and a clear plan for the first laser-based fusion power plant.

Günter Kraft, Chief Government Affairs and Communications Officer of Focused Energy, expressed the belief that Germany needs to create clear regulations and frameworks. It is the only way to turn scientific excellence into industrial reality, he pointed out.