Fostering industries for achieving fusion power generation — Development of three innovation centers at QST, NIFS, and Osaka University

As countries accelerate their efforts to commercialize fusion power generation, the Japanese government aims to develop innovation centers where industry, especially start-ups, can conduct a wide range of experiments and other research activities. The three centers will be located at the National Institutes for Quantum and Radiological Science and Technology (QST), the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), and the Institute of Laser Engineering (ILE) at Osaka University. While the ITER projects (experimental reactors) are underway by the seven parties, countries around the world are accelerating their research and development activities related to nuclear fusion as national policies to demonstrate fusion power generation capabilities at an early date.

The UK updated its strategy in October 2023 and aims to build a DEMO reactor by 2040. The US announced its national strategy in June, although R&D and investment activities are currently active in the private sector. China has begun construction of BEST, an experimental reactor for fusion operation prior to ITER. Japan will promote the development of the world's largest tokamak-type superconducting plasma experimental device "JT-60SA" and other devices. In addition, it will promote fusion power generation using unconventional methods in the Moonshot R&D Program.

Sanae Takaichi, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, stated, "We aim to demonstrate fusion power generation in the 2030s," and is currently working on the revision of the national strategy. Meanwhile, an industrial council was established in May to foster fusion-related industries by involving companies that have had no relation with nuclear fusion.

Since the design and construction of a conventional tokamak-type demonstration reactor needs to be accelerated to demonstrate fusion power generation ahead of the rest of the world, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is examining possibilities. However, challenging R&D through the moonshot and other projects is important for technological breakthroughs. To this end, innovation centers that provide special experimental environments will be developed and made available to various companies, universities, and related stakeholders. The centers will provide not only a research environment but also support for human resource development and research.