The Fusion Research and Development Innovation Initiative was established by Senate Bill 80 (Chapter 334, Statutes of 2025) to accelerate the development and growth of fusion energy by advancing fusion science and technology. When successfully commercialized, fusion energy holds the potential for clean, safe, and reliable energy that can be utilized for dispatchable baseload electricity without producing air pollution, harmful emissions, or long-lasting nuclear waste and could play an important role in meeting California's zero-carbon targets, thereby contributing to California's broader climate goals.
The Fusion Research and Development Innovation Initiative is funded through appropriations by the Legislature, and shall provide financial incentives up to $5 million to;
- Advance research and development into fusion energy.
- Accelerate the deployment of new research and technology capabilities that support the commercialization of fusion energy.
- Achieve the initiative's goal of delivering the world's first fusion energy pilot project in the state by the 2040s.