Fusion supply chain spending rises as commercialisation nears

Based on a survey of 22 private fusion companies and 57 fusion suppliers, the report found that supply chain spending grew by 73 per cent to $434m in 2024, up from around $250m in 2023. The FIA predicts that spending in 2025 will increase again by 25 per cent, as fusion gradually moves from the lab to become a commercial technology.

According to the report, companies including Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Focused Energy, Helion, and Type One Energy have already announced sites for pilot plants that will deliver energy to the grid. However, optimism is tempered by doubts around the supply chain’s ability to meet demand. Nearly a third of fusion companies (31 per cent) expressed concern about the availability of precision engineering and manufacturing suppliers to meet current commercial needs, rising to 63 per cent for future needs.

“Our report shows significant cause for optimism, with the fusion industry supporting a thriving network of suppliers, proactively investing in the capabilities to deliver commercial fusion,” said Andrew Holland, FIA chief executive.