ASP’s Fusion Energy Research Intern Caroline Von Wurden and ASP’s Senior Fellow for Energy and Climate Andrew Holland wrote an Op-Ed published on January 13 in The Hill citing the need for strong political leadership and clear policy goals in developing a fusion energy program in the U.S. They argue that short-term budgets and lack of a unified plan for advancing the U.S. fusion program are hampering its progression.

They go on to say:

We need a strong, inspiring vision on how to develop fusion energy.  The mission of the new official must be on energy. If this were the explicit goal for the official, that would then drive future evolution of the program and enable many changes. It is possible to have a fusion experiment in the near term (10-15 years) that would produce energy, as outlined in a 10 Year Plan in ASP’s Fusion White Paper. To achieve this, many parallel efforts and proportionate funding increases would be required.  Until a funding increase is possible, a new position leading the U.S. fusion program could set the program on a path towards energy.

The article “U.S. Fusion Program Must Have Energy Mission” in the Hill.

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