The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $134 million in funding for two programs aimed at advancing fusion energy research and strengthening connections among private industry, national laboratories, and universities.
According to the DOE, $128 million will be allocated to the Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) Collaboratives. Seven teams have been selected to create a virtual innovation ecosystem that links basic science research with efforts in the growing fusion sector. The goal is to foster collaboration and drive progress in fusion technologies within the United States.
An additional $6.1 million will support the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program. Twenty projects were chosen to help reduce barriers between businesses and research institutions, accelerating private-sector development of fusion energy. These projects cover areas such as materials science, laser technology, high-temperature superconducting magnets, artificial intelligence for modeling and simulation, and enabling technologies needed for economic fusion power.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, DOE is unleashing the next frontier of American energy,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “Fusion power holds the promise of limitless, reliable, American-made energy—and programs like INFUSE and FIRE ensure our innovators have the tools, talent, and partnerships to make it a reality.”
Fusion energy is seen as a potential source of abundant and reliable power by replicating processes found in stars like the sun. After the passage of the Energy Act of 2020, DOE’s Fusion Energy Sciences program began working more closely with private industry through initiatives such as INFUSE and FIRE.
The department noted that these efforts are designed not only to advance scientific research but also to strengthen U.S.-based manufacturing and supply chains relevant to national security and defense needs. The announcement aligns with President Trump’s executive order focused on expanding domestic energy production.
Details about funded projects can be found on the Fusion Energy Sciences program homepage.
INFUSE awards range from $100,000 to $500,000 per project for one-year terms following competitive peer review led by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
For FIRE Collaboratives, DOE expects total investments could reach up to $220 million over four years if future appropriations are secured by Congress. This year’s allocation includes $31 million from Fiscal Year 2025 funds. However, final awards are subject to negotiations between DOE and selected applicants.
