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“Hearing to Examine Fusion Energy Technology Development”

Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources

September 19, 2024 (recording linked here)

HEARING INFORMATION

Witnesses and Written Testimony (linked):

• Dr. Jean Paul Allain: Associate Director of the Office of Fusion Energy Services, United States Department of Energy

• Jackie Siebens: Public Affairs at Helion Energy and Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center

• Dr. Patrick White: Research Director, Nuclear Innovation Alliance

HEARING HIGHLIGHTS

IN THEIR WORDS

SUMMARY OF OPENING STATEMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE

• Chairman Manchin opened by discussing the importance of fusion energy commercialization, describing it as a potential game-changer due to its zero-emission potential and abundant fuel. He shared his experiences visiting the ITER experimental site in France, where 33 countries, including China and Russia, are collaborating on fusion energy development. He expressed optimism about fusion's potential to reduce global energy conflicts and create peace. Despite recent progress, the Chairman noted challenges remain, such as unanswered scientific questions and delays in ITER’s timeline, and he emphasized the need for the U.S. to maintain its competitive edge in the global race for fusion energy development.

• Ranking Member Barrasso highlighted the progress made since the committee last discussed nuclear fusion two years ago, emphasizing the milestone of achieving "scientific break-even" at Lawrence Livermore National Lab. He pointed out the growth of private-sector fusion companies, which now number 45 and have attracted over $7 billion in investments. The Ranking Member warned, however, that significant challenges remain, including reliably reproducing fusion reactions and converting fusion energy into electricity. He expressed concern over China's aggressive pursuit of fusion technology and called for maintaining U.S. leadership in the sector, particularly in the context of rising energy demands.

SUMMARY OF WITNESS STATEMENTS

• Dr. Jean Paul Allain, Associate Director of Fusion Energy Sciences (FES) at the Department of Energy, began by thanking Chairman Manchin, Ranking Member Barrasso, and the committee members for their support of fusion energy research. He highlighted the strides made in realigning the FES program to meet the rapidly evolving fusion landscape while maintaining the foundational science that can improve human health and revolutionize industries. He emphasized the transformative potential of fusion energy and called it a national security imperative for the U.S. to maintain its leadership in this field. He outlined a three-part strategy to close critical science and technology gaps, establish public-private partnerships, and build a robust fusion technology manufacturing network.

• Ms. Jackie Siebens, representing Helion, a fusion energy company, thanked the committee for the opportunity to testify. She described Helion's work in developing fusion prototypes and shared their plans to construct the world's first commercial fusion power plant, supported by agreements with Microsoft and Nucor. She emphasized that fusion is no longer a distant vision, but scaling up requires strategic supply chains and regulatory pathways. Ms. Siebens highlighted the need for government support, similar to the CHIPS Act, to fund manufacturing capabilities and called for streamlined regulation. She expressed concerns over China's aggressive investment in fusion and urged the U.S. to act quickly to secure its leadership in the field.

• Dr. Patrick White, Research Director at the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, provided insights on the development and deployment of fusion energy as a future clean energy source. He outlined the four phases of fusion commercialization: scientific demonstration, engineering demonstration, commercial demonstration, and wide-scale deployment. Dr. White noted that while the U.S. leads in fusion innovation, competition from countries like China is fierce. He advocated for technology-inclusive clean energy policies and stronger collaboration between the private sector, academia, and government to accelerate fusion commercialization. He emphasized the need for the U.S. to stay competitive in the global fusion race by supporting domestic development efforts.

SUMMARY OF Q and A

• Chairman Manchin asked when the first fusion power plant could realistically be expected to come online, expressing concern about China's progress and delays at ITER. He questioned why smaller-scale projects might move faster than large commercial ones. Dr. Allain acknowledged the race for fusion energy and stressed the need to close technological gaps. He credited public investments for enabling private sector progress and emphasized the importance of collaboration between sectors. Ms. Siebens stated that Helion expected a fusion plant online before 2030, citing advancements in technology and a favorable regulatory framework that allows for quick development. She noted Helion's ability to build six fusion machines in 11 years, which is not feasible in other fields like fission. Dr. White pointed to innovation in superconducting magnets and lasers as key drivers accelerating fusion development but warned that innovation timelines can be unpredictable. Private industry plays a pivotal role in this progress.

  The Chairman then asked if grid constraints could impede fusion deployment and whether existing coal plants with infrastructure could be repurposed. Ms. Siebens said co-location opportunities were being explored but highlighted regulatory challenges in scaling up beyond the first plant. She noted there is no current pathway for a 500-megawatt fusion facility to directly serve a customer like Nucor.

  Dr. Allain explained that while ITER is not commercial, it has impacted supply chains, particularly in manufacturing magnets and tritium systems, which are already benefiting the sector. The Chairman praised ITER's international collaboration and encouraged committee members to visit the facility, noting both China and Russia's participation.

  Dr. White emphasized the importance of technology-neutral policies to support clean energy integration and stressed the need for clear pathways to bring fusion energy onto the grid.

• Ranking Member Barrasso asked Ms. Siebens if Helion was still on track to demonstrate electricity production from fusion by year-end, as part of their agreement with Microsoft. Ms. Siebens confirmed that Helion’s Polaris prototype was on track to be completed and tested by year-end, and they expected it to demonstrate electricity production, crucial for fulfilling the power purchase agreement (PPA).

  The Ranking Member asked Dr. White if fusion energy was realistically a few years away from grid deployment, given the progress of companies such as Helion. Dr. White explained that new technologies are accelerating progress, but timelines remain uncertain. Private sector testing will ultimately determine if fusion energy can meet expectations.

  The Ranking Member asked Ms. Siebens if Helion’s agreement with Microsoft had firm deadlines and penalties. Ms. Siebens confirmed the PPA includes penalties and deadlines, with full commercial operations expected by 2029.

  The Ranking Member asked Dr. White if Congress should shift focus from legacy programs to cutting-edge fusion research. Dr. White agreed legacy programs should support commercialization and provide valuable data, emphasizing the need for U.S. companies to access lessons from projects like ITER.

  The Ranking Member asked Dr. Allain how the U.S. could protect its fusion industry from China’s copying of U.S. innovations. Dr. Allain highlighted the importance of a clear roadmap and stronger public-private partnerships to maintain U.S. leadership in fusion development.

  The Ranking Member asked about investor metrics and fusion safety. Ms. Siebens noted Helion underwent thorough evaluation by Nucor and Microsoft, which instilled confidence in signing agreements. Dr. White outlined fusion’s safety, emphasizing the importance of managing neutron activation and tritium, with safety regulations overseen by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

• Sen. Heinrich asked how the DOE should shift from physics-based research to engineering and materials science for fusion commercialization. He emphasized the need for government support without picking winners, focusing on key technological gaps. Dr. Allain agreed, saying the government should target common gaps, such as tritium fuel cycles and advanced materials. He noted that past programs didn't focus on these areas and emphasized the need for decisive, targeted action. Ms. Siebens supported a focus on applied materials R&D, noting Helion’s need for projects aimed at building durable materials for fusion components like first walls, critical for scaling up fusion plants. Dr. White emphasized the role of federal leadership in developing test facilities for materials research, which private companies alone can't handle. Such programs would provide essential data for commercial fusion machines.

  Dr. Allain highlighted the need for stronger public-private partnerships, noting efforts to build consortium frameworks to bridge public programs with private sector advancements. Dr. White added that although advanced materials may not be crucial for early fusion machines, they will be vital for large-scale deployment, stressing the importance of starting this research now.

• Sen. King asked why fusion energy development must be a competition with China, suggesting collaboration could accelerate progress and help address global climate change. Dr. White acknowledged the need for global clean energy and said competition drives innovation. He noted international collaboration already occurs, particularly in scientific discussions around fusion research. Ms. Siebens supported collaboration but emphasized the real competition will start after fusion machines are deployed. She stressed the importance of the U.S. securing supply chains to avoid China dominating the market, as seen with electric vehicle batteries.

  Sen. King asked if fusion could be more affordable than fission, noting the high cost of nuclear fission plants. Dr. White explained that fusion’s future competitiveness depends on overall system costs and integration into clean energy grids. Its economic viability will be clearer as the technology develops. Ms. Siebens confirmed Helion’s technology could reduce costs to one cent per kilowatt hour if scaled for mass manufacturing, making it much cheaper than fission.

  Sen. King then asked if fusion is inherently safer than fission. Ms. Siebens explained fusion is safer, using materials like deuterium and helium-3, which reduce the risks of runaway reactions and long-lived radioactive waste. Dr. White agreed but highlighted the need to manage hazards like tritium and radioactive byproducts. Fusion safety will depend on design and regulation.

• Sen. Padilla asked how the U.S. can capitalize on recent fusion energy successes, particularly in California, to develop a timeline for achieving commercial fusion and maintaining momentum. He emphasized moving from scientific breakthroughs to commercialization. Dr. Allain emphasized the importance of leveraging existing assets, such as advanced modeling tools, to transition from science to technology-focused questions. He highlighted the need for strong public-private partnerships and aligning both sectors' priorities. He also mentioned the development of a fusion science and technology roadmap, with annual progress metrics, to guide commercialization efforts.

  Sen. Padilla asked about the strategic investments needed to scale up and commercialize fusion, focusing on supply chain challenges. Ms. Siebens expressed excitement about the Department of Energy's focus on commercialization and emphasized the need to activate government programs, particularly within the Department of Commerce, to support the fusion supply chain. She highlighted the need for a domestic supply of chips and capacitors, which are crucial for fusion machines, to reduce reliance on China.

  Sen. Padilla expressed interest in discussing how colleges and universities can prepare the workforce needed for the fusion industry as it grows.

• Chairman Manchin discussed a permitting bill focused on "reconducting," which would double power line capacity without new construction, accelerating energy infrastructure improvements.

• Sen. Cortez Masto asked about securing the supply chain for high-performance magnets crucial for fusion energy, noting China’s dominance. She suggested tax incentives to bring manufacturing back to the U.S. Ms. Siebens agreed, emphasizing the need to amend the 45x manufacturing tax credit to include fusion technologies. She highlighted the importance of activating existing programs to support the fusion supply chain. Dr. White stressed the need for technology-inclusive policies that support various fusion technologies. Broad incentives would help the entire fusion sector grow. Dr. Allain emphasized innovation and public-private partnerships to build a robust fusion supply chain. He stressed the need to invest in manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure now.

  Sen. Cortez Masto then asked about the difference between fission and fusion waste and how Congress should address it. Dr. Allain explained that fusion waste is lower-level than fission waste, but innovation in materials is crucial for management. Ms. Siebens noted fusion’s waste cycle is more sustainable, as tritium decays into helium-3, which can be reused, contrasting with long-lived fission waste. Dr. White added that fusion doesn't produce spent nuclear fuel and emphasized recycling materials and optimizing operations to manage waste. Existing facilities could handle fusion waste as the industry scales.

• Sen. Cassidy asked Dr. Allain how fusion energy could help decarbonize petrochemical refineries in Louisiana, mentioning companies like Dow and Air Liquide exploring fusion. Dr. Allain noted the collaboration between public and private sectors in fusion energy, with private companies moving quickly but still needing to close scientific and technological gaps to achieve commercialization. Sen. Cassidy inquired how private investment is supplementing public funding and how this should influence government spending. Dr. Allain stressed that public investment should strategically address gaps the private sector can’t fill, ensuring efficient progress through collaboration.

  Sen. Cassidy asked if China’s state-backed fusion efforts are outpacing U.S. public-private partnerships and international collaborations. Ms. Siebens highlighted the need to build U.S. supply chains and focus on commercially relevant R&D to stay competitive with China post-demonstration. Dr. White emphasized that federal grants can boost private sector confidence and help companies secure venture capital, supporting early-stage technology development.

  Sen. Cassidy asked if the international partnership in France could address common challenges or if the U.S. needed separate efforts. Dr. White explained that the French consortium focuses on scientific demonstrations, but the U.S. needs to invest in advanced materials and commercial technologies for fusion. Dr. Allain emphasized the importance of multiple parallel efforts, using international partnerships while ensuring the U.S. invests strategically in key areas.

• Sen. Hickenlooper asked how the DOE will partner with Colorado State University and public-private sectors to commercialize fusion, highlighting the upcoming laser facility at CSU. Dr. Allain emphasized DOE’s collaboration with academia, industry, and national labs, noting that CSU’s project is part of efforts to bridge science and technology development. He also mentioned international partnerships, like one with Germany, to support fusion innovation.

  Sen. Hickenlooper pointed out that U.S. collaboration differs from China's approach and asked how the U.S. can stay competitive. Ms. Siebens explained that China is replicating Helion’s designs and securing supply chains. She stressed the need for a U.S. policy framework to avoid reliance on China as fusion technologies scale. Dr. White outlined China's structured plan for fusion development, from scientific to commercial stages, and emphasized that the U.S. must develop a comparable strategy to compete effectively.

  Sen. Hickenlooper noted that China’s cohesive supply chains pose challenges for the U.S. to build its own fusion-related infrastructure.

• Sen. Murkowski asked how U.S. technologies in projects like ITER are protected from potential adversaries, including China. Dr. Allain explained that U.S. contributions focus on hardware with intellectual property protected by specific agreements. Access to sensitive information requires strict procedures.

  Sen. Murkowski asked if China had replicated Helion’s technologies. Ms. Siebens stated that while China is trying to replicate Helion’s designs, they have not yet succeeded. Helion focuses on building machines rather than sharing details.

  Sen. Murkowski asked if fusion could meet energy needs in remote areas like Alaska. Dr. White said fusion could provide reliable energy for remote areas, with flexible machine sizes to meet small community or large industrial needs.

  Sen. Murkowski asked if Helion’s technology could be demonstrated in Alaska. Ms. Siebens confirmed Helion’s systems are ideal for remote areas due to their small footprint, low power demand, and reliable 24/7 energy output, and expressed interest in Alaska.

• Sen. Hoeven expressed skepticism about fusion energy always being "the energy source of the future" and asked when it will become commercially viable. Dr. Allain acknowledged the long timeline for fusion, but noted that recent technological advances, such as AI and high-temperature materials, are accelerating progress. He stated that fusion pilot plants could be ready by the 2030s, with some faster approaches.

  Sen. Hoeven pressed for a more specific timeline, saying the same answer could have been given years ago. Ms. Siebens responded that Helion is on track to have a commercially operating fusion plant by 2028, supplying power to Microsoft. She described the machine as a "pulse system" that operates in short bursts of fusion, allowing flexibility in energy output. Sen. Hoeven then asked how Helion's plant works and whether it requires refueling. Ms. Siebens explained that Helion’s system will be a 50 MW plant, about the size of a football field, capable of ramping energy up or down. The machine requires refueling with deuterium (heavy water) and helium-3, but the fuel is cheap and abundant. Helion is also designing a larger 500 MW facility.

  Sen. Hoeven emphasized the importance of concrete timelines and understanding the practical benefits of fusion over other energy sources.

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