Facilitating private funding for nuclear fusion projects

20.4.2023

Question for written answer  E-001306/2023
to the Commission
Rule 138
Johan Nissinen (ECR), Michiel Hoogeveen (ECR), Franc Bogovič (PPE), Anna Zalewska (ECR), Ladislav Ilčić (ECR), Veronika Vrecionová (ECR), Evžen Tošenovský (ECR), Alexandr Vondra (ECR), Charlie Weimers (ECR)

The United States recently celebrated a major breakthrough in nuclear fusion, while ITER – largely funded by the EU – does not envisage a first demonstration until 2030. Clearly there are differences between the American nuclear fusion project and ITER in terms of funding, scope, objectives, and governance structures. In particular, the US approach to funding appears to have the crucial difference that the bulk of financial support comes from private investors.

• 1.The United States has a stronger focus on joint public and private investments in nuclear fusion. The complex and lengthy regulatory framework in the EU seems to lead to a much slower approval process for fusion projects. Bearing in mind how extensively the EU regulates in general, it seems odd that this barrier to funding has not yet been addressed. Is the Commission planning to improve its regulatory framework in this regard?
• 2.European companies interested in fusion technology seem to be increasingly focusing on the United States. For example, the Munich-based company Marvel Fusion has been invited by the White House to invest in a test reactor in the United States, the cost of which is put at EUR 2 billion. How can the EU improve its attractiveness to such companies?

Submitted: 20.4.2023