Fusion will transform the energy sector

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OPINION – Fusion energy offers a pathway to clean, safe, and reliable energy capable of meeting humanity’s needs for generations. For decades, California has quietly led in the race to fusion energy. Now, as breakthroughs become routine and the pursuit of fusion enters its final phase, we have introduced several bills to ensure California maintains its role as the center of fusion research and development.

California’s fusion ecosystem is the largest in the nation. World-leading federal research facilities like the DIII-D National Fusion Facility (located in San Diego) and the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are some of the primary drivers of our fusion innovation system. A thriving startup sector has also emerged in our state, attracting billions of dollars in private investments driven by the goal of constructing the first fusion energy power plant in the next decade. Combined with the largest network of fusion science and engineering programs in the nation at campuses throughout the UC and Cal State systems, the California fusion ecosystem is unlike any other in the world.

For much of the past century, fusion—the process that powers the stars—has been a relatively obscure topic. Even today, fusion is often confused with fission, the process that powers today’s nuclear reactors through the splitting of heavy atoms. Fusion, by comparison, is a fundamentally different process that relies on combining atoms. The resulting reaction is the most energy dense in the universe and would be capable of producing virtually limitless power without producing harmful byproducts or long-lasting nuclear waste. And, because fusion requires a small amount of energy to initiate the reaction, it is inherently safe and cannot produce “runaway” reactions.

The world’s best scientists and engineers have studied fusion for decades, but it is only in the past few years that significant advances have put commercialization within sight. Today, thanks to advances in materials, artificial intelligence, and a trove of research data, fusion breakthroughs are happening more and more frequently. The final gaps in research and technology are well understood, and the race to be the first to achieve fusion energy is underway. While timelines vary, it is generally agreed that a first-of-a-kind fusion pilot plant is achievable within the decade.

With a potential market valuation exceeding $40 trillion, California must take steps to ensure it remains at the forefront of the fusion innovation system. A fully developed fusion ecosystem in our state would support thousands of jobs and potentially trillions of dollars of investment—not to mention helping to solve our energy crisis once and for all by delivering a source of reliable, baseload energy.

That is why we have jointly introduced three measures, all pending final votes during the last days of session, which seek to secure California’s leadership in fusion for generations to come. By sending a clear signal that our state recognizes the potential of fusion energy, we can attract new collaborations and spur our fusion ecosystem to new heights.

SCR25, led by Sen. Catherine Blakespear, celebrates the technological milestones achieved by innovators in California’s public and private sectors, recognizes the potential of fusion energy for addressing our state’s ambitious decarbonization goals, and supports siting a fusion pilot plant in California by the 2040s.

SB80, led by Sen. Anna Caballero, establishes a new state-led Fusion Research and Development Innovation Hub Program to accelerate the development and growth of fusion energy. This bill would position California to be the first state to fund fusion research and development as a state priority. Notably, SB80 compliments a federal program to intended to increase collaboration between states, the federal government, and private industry to deliver fusion energy faster.

SB86, led by Sen. Jerry McNerney, reauthorizes the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority Act (CAEATFA) and adds fusion to the list of eligible programs. CAEATFA provides financing solutions to California industries to reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions while promoting economic development.

Together, these bills ensure the industry we’ve helped build remains and grows in our state. As California evaluates other important questions related to fusion, including land use, regulatory frameworks, permitting, and public engagement, these measures put us on the path to delivering one of humanity’s greatest achievements—and ensuring Californians benefit from the jobs and investments that the future fusion economy will bring.

Catherine Blakespear represents California’s 38^th Senate District and serves as chair of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

Anna Caballero represents California’s 14^th Senate District and serves as chair of the Senate Appropriatons Committee. 

Jerry McNerney represents California’s 5^th Senate District and serves as chair of the Revenue and Taxation Committee.