At Energy for the Common Good (ECG), we seek to engage with stakeholders on current developments in the increasingly relevant national discussion on fusion energy in a clear, consistent, and public manner. In this blog, we will provide periodic commentaries on fusion and other clean energy technology news as well as describe any interesting developments here at ECG. For this first installment, we will simply give you a quick and digestible summary of the unique placement of ECG within the developing fusion and clean energy space.
Our Mission:
As you may know, the primary goal of ECG is to support the rapid implementation of this new clean renewable energy partner—fusion energy—on a timescale that is relevant to decarbonizing the global economy. We do this by fostering far-reaching discussions about fusion and raising awareness about the technology with an emphasis on engaging environmental and public facing NGOs in the discussions. Through our education initiatives we strive to broaden public understanding of fusion’s implications for replacing fossil resources while bringing transparency and clarity to the development of fusion technology.
Our Role:
Even with your understanding and support of our mission, you may still have many questions about ECG; Who are we as a company? How will we realize our mission? Why is ECG unique?
What we are and what we stand for:
A voice for fusion energy: We recognize that fusion currently lacks a public voice outside the scientists and companies developing fusion technology. While these groups are advancing fusion technologies and providing factual information about fusion, they are not necessarily trained to negotiate the practical and political complications surrounding the rapid deployment of a new energy source. Using our experience in advancing other carbon-free energy sources, ECG is striving to avoid delays in transitioning fusion energy from viability to commercialization. We recognize that most implementation issues surrounding fusion can be alleviated by broad public awareness of the technology. ECG is working with regulators, investors, utilities, and environmental and public advocates to foster well-informed conversations around the potential challenges, environmental impacts, and numerous benefits of the widespread application of fusion technologies in partnership with renewable energy and other non-carbon options across energy sectors.
An educator: At ECG, we believe that the dissemination of up-to-date and credible information is crucial to the eventual success of fusion energy. We strive to provide any interested party and the public an unbiased, easy-to-understand assessment of fusion energy, ranging from the potential risks of the use of tritium to the viability of fusion entering the energy economy. We recognize the need to both engage the public in conversations about the perceived risks of fusion as well as combat misconceptions that surround the technology.
Welcome any and all fusion technologies: ECG believes in the importance of diversifying fusion’s commercial research and development so that we do not rely solely on one path to fusion energy. Fusion energy has great potential for societal good. ECG’s efforts are focused on fusion’s successful launch, and to that end, we are supportive of multiple efforts to create viable devices. As with any complex technology, there are risks in the development process. The fact that several design efforts are underway creates a greater likelihood that one or more will achieve timely success. Fundamentally, ECG contests that the multitude of benefits that would come from successful implementation of fusion energy creates the imperative that society funds and supports all viable paths toward demonstration devices.
What we are not:
NOT industry: ECG is first and foremost an independent player in the conversations around fusion. We are not creating a fusion start-up to rival those already in existence; we are not conducting scientific research to address any physical or engineering challenges that fusion energy faces; and our success is not coupled to a need to develop a product or generate commercial revenue. ECG is entering this conversation with an extensive background in renewable energy encompassing environmental and renewable policymaking, regulation, funding, and commercialization of clean energy generation. We are a non-profit organization spreading measurable awareness about a technology that can make a difference.
NOT a lobbyist group: One may then have questions about our similarity to an industry trade group or a lobbyist group. Again, our mission is to foster conversations and knowledge about fusion, to educate stakeholders and the general public, and to serve as a resource on the path to commercialization. With the successful pursuit of our mission, large influencers such as NGO’s, private companies, and general public sentiment will provide the requisite pressure needed for legislators and private investors to supply public and private funds for commercial development and research. Our outreach, coupled with the exciting technological advances in device development, highlights the importance of supporting fusion development as a critical partner to all efforts to decarbonize energy.
Our Blog:
We aim for this blog to be informative and to project ECG’s fusion advocacy into the clean energy space. As we work toward our goals, we want to employ this platform to both provide commentary on our accomplishments as well as encourage you and our other readers to productively engage with topics of note surrounding fusion, clean energy, climate solutions, and the common good. On occasion, you may find us sharing our thoughts on current fusion media; other times, you may learn more about the other parties currently active within the “fusion sphere.” Ultimately, our goal in sharing and building upon this blog is to “move the needle” in the discussion about fusion towards productive public engagement for the advancement of this dense, non-carbon emitting power source soon enough to make a difference to climate change abatement.
The Team at ECG: Jane Hotchkiss, President; Wally Johnston, CFO; Karen Gibson, Director of Operations; Patrick Woods, Director of Philanthropy; Tate Taczak, Summer Intern (Bowdoin College)