The Global Race for Nuclear Fusion is On

The global race for fusion power is on, and TU/e plays a unique role. Will fusion power – zero-CO2, safe, and practically limitless - at last be within grasp? In this lecture Niek Lopes Cardozo, TU/e Professor of ‘Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion', tells us all about what an exciting time it is for the development of fusion energy.

Fusion power has world-saving potential, but until recently, it was considered too complex to be relevant in the near future. This perspective is shifting rapidly. Dozens of start-up companies, backed by billions of dollars from private investors, are turning up the heat. Fusion demonstration plants in the next decade are a very real prospect. Governments are following suit. Special Envoy Kerry announced at COP28 America’s ambition to be the world leader; China responded within weeks by launching a huge state-industry collaboration to be first to the market. Now Europe is moving, too. The race is on.

Niek Lopes Cardozo: “Starting from demonstrators, a huge scale-up will be needed to provide even 10% of the world energy demand. That calls for a new, high-tech industry and millions of jobs. Already today, with the intensified efforts and startup companies, there is a dire need for engineers with knowledge of fusion technologies. And this is where the TU/e has a unique position, thanks to its special Master’s program on nuclear fusion. It is truly interdisciplinary and attracts students from all over the world. It is unique in the Netherlands, and one of the few fusion education centers in the world. With the exciting acceleration of fusion energy, this is a great opportunity, especially for TU/e students.”

Niek Lopes Cardozo is full professor of 'Science and Technology of Nuclear Fusion' in the Applied Physics department of Eindhoven University of Technology. He has more than 40 years’ experience in fusion research, authored 100+ papers and supervised 35+ PhD theses. Former leader of the Dutch fusion research program (2001-2009), he was member of the top-level European fusion governance committees. In 2009, he turned his attention to the education of the next generation fusion researchers and became full time professor at TU/e, initiating the Fusion Master's program and the European Fusion Education Network.