Energy for the Common Good welcomes the news that today, November 8, 2023, the US and the UK announced a major new partnership to develop fusion technology. The Transatlantic partnership intends to address the technical challenges of delivering commercial fusion power. It will focus on shared access to and the development of significant new national facilities required for fusion development and coordination and maximizing joint strategic approaches. ECG is pleased that the partnership will explore the international harmonization of regulatory frameworks, codes, and standards and work on developing resilient supply chains for commercial fusion deployment. We will continue to add our focus on ensuring that this and all fusion partnerships include access to and equity in its benefits.
ECG’s advocacy focuses on forming partnerships, shared knowledge, and trust as the fundamentals behind fusion’s communal stakeholders. We see this as the critical human element to success in maximizing fusion’s climate-disruptive star power, and this is why we are excited to work with our colleagues at UKAEA and elsewhere to bring fusion: clean, safe energy equity for all.
Successful, equitable, rapid deployment of fusion energy is only possible when those benefiting have some of the first seats at its table. We share the commitment this announced partnership makes in supporting public engagement with communities, including equity and energy justice. Education, outreach, and transparent access to technology – this is the kind of engagement needed to build robust, inclusive, and diverse workforces. ECG looks forward to identifying and promoting the skill development and talent growth fusion needs with labor, with training, and with innovations in technology – soon enough to make a difference.