Commercialising Fusion Energy

Throughout the past five decades, research and development in the world of nuclear fusion has been led by large publicly funded national laboratories. Currently, fusion energy technology development is being embraced by small, fast-moving start-up companies. Thisedited book provides an overview of the commercialisation of fusion energytechnology, stressing the role to be played by small businesses and the ongoingimportance of public sector efforts. All chapters were peer-reviewed by expertsbefore publication to ensure the reliability of the scientific content. Theeditors are of the opinion that there is a need for a good overview of acomplex phenomenon that has the potential to transform fusion energy researchafter decades of leadership by governmental and inter-governmental efforts.The book addresses not only the science and technology of fusioncommercialisation, but also the associated innovation management. The first section of the book provides an introduction to private fusionand explains that the marketed product will not necessarily be electricity. Thepolicy context of a global need for decarbonisation is introduced and comparedto the timescales of fusion commercialisation. The second section introducessome of the leading private sector initiatives in fusion from around the world.Then, the third section outlines the public sector's ongoing efforts towardcommercialisation. And finally, the fourth section discusses the challenges andfuture opportunities of private fusion.KeyFeaturesThis book tells a story about a technology intransitionProvides an overview of the commercialisation offusion energy technology, stressing the emerging role being played by smallbusinessesExplores not only the science and technologybehind fusion commercialisation but also innovation managementSuitable for both academic and non-academicresearchers and scholars