Fusion Power Possible in Eight Years, US Energy Chief Says

“I believe we will know the commercial pathway to fusion during the Trump administration,” Wright said, echoing comments he’s made previously. “Commercial electricity from fusion energy could be as fast as eight years and I’d be very surprised if it’s more than 15.”

Fusion energy, which powers the sun and stars, has the potential to produce abundant carbon-free electricity, but efforts to harness it have proved elusive. Researchers at the US Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory announced in 2022 they were able produce a fusion reaction that generated more energy than it consumed for the first time.

The technology has drawn billions in investments from backers including Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates and Peter Thiel. In recent years, it’s also started to win support from sovereign wealth funds, national development banks and venture capitalists, a sign that the industry is starting to look more seriously at the concept.

“The pace of innovation is faster then ever before,” Wright said. “It’s coming and it’s exciting.”