The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Italy - the current Group of Seven (G7) presidency - will co-host the inaugural ministerial meeting of the World Fusion Energy Group (WFEG) later this year to inject further momentum into intensifying global efforts to develop a potentially clean, safe and limitless source of energy.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi will together chair the 6 November meeting in Rome, which will see governments, scientists, executives and investors join forces in paving the way for this promising technology to provide the abundant low carbon energy the world needs to meet its growing development needs.
Increased political and economic interest in fusion energy - which has seen key scientific breakthroughs in recent years - was highlighted at the 13-15 June summit of the G7 leading industrialized nations in Italy's southern Apulia region, where the leaders said it "has the potential to provide a lasting solution to the global challenges of climate change and energy security."
Pledging to promote international collaboration "to accelerate the development and demonstration" of fusion, the G7 summit communique also welcomed Italy's and the IAEA's decision to hold the first WFEG meeting in the Italian capital.
This high-level endorsement follows several technological milestones, including the historic achievement of a net energy gain, as well as a significant expansion of private sector investments and activities in the quest for fusion energy.
Director General Grossi said: "Today, there are more than 40 private sector players active in developing fusion energy, and more than six billion US dollars of funding is flowing their way. It is a clear indication of growing optimism about the immense potential of fusion energy in fighting climate change and building shared prosperity. It shows that fusion energy may become reality sooner than many believed just a few years ago."
Prime Minister Meloni said: "As the G7 Presidency in 2024, the Government of Italy is proud to bring focus on the development in fusion energy science and technology, addressing the global challenges of enhancing energy security and boosting economic development. Italy is committed to advancing the fusion energy research agenda on the international stage."
Director General Grossi announced the establishment of the WFEG when he opened the IAEA's 29th International Fusion Energy Conference (FEC) in London last October, saying "big science needs collaboration, and it doesn't get much bigger than fusion energy."
The WFEG will work to accelerate research, development, demonstration and deployment of safe and sustainable fusion energy, with a focus on fostering global cooperation, ensuring the efficacy of R&D activities, identifying existing technology and engineering gaps, encouraging discussion on establishing effective fusion regulation, and other relevant topics.
"The IAEA established the WFEG to drive the discussion on fusion energy development forward by bringing together the public and private sectors, industry, research organizations, academia and civil society in a holistic and collaborative setting to accelerate the fusion energy journey from research and development to demonstration and ultimately deployment," he added today.
"To get fusion energy from the lab to the grid will require more public and private support that is well aligned. In this endeavour, the role of governments remains vital," he said.
Prime Minister Meloni said: "Italy is deeply committed to supporting research and innovation in the energy sector. Our vibrant fusion energy programme, involving numerous Italian research organizations, academia, industries and international collaboration with the IAEA, underscores our dedication. We look forward to advancing fusion energy on a global scale."
The Rome meeting will consist of a ministerial segment where invited high-level political representatives will provide insights into their strategies for accelerating fusion energy development. The WFEG will also discuss priority themes ranging from policy and financial frameworks, technological advancements, commercialization pathways and international collaboration.
Coinciding with the first WFEG meeting, the IAEA will publish its second edition of the World Fusion Outlook, a global reference for developments and prospects in fusion energy, and the Fusion Key Elements, an overview of the fundamental considerations surrounding fusion energy from research and development to demonstration and deployment, essential for establishing a unified approach to advancing fusion as a cornerstone of future energy solutions.
