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Review of binding.energy

The first edition of binding.energy in February 2025 marked the launch of a new international conference format, bringing together fusion and fission leaders to address shared challenges and opportunities. With the second edition in 2026, the conference firmly established itself as a platform for exchange between industry, research and policy, enabling both sectors to learn from each other and explore joint perspectives. Across both editions, participants consistently highlighted the creation of new collaborations and the expansion of their networks across fusion and fission as the most valuable outcomes.

"This conference fosters synergy between Fission and Fusion, there’s more to learn from each other than we think."
— Dr. Alain Bécoulet, Deputy Director, ITER Organization

binding.energy 2026 focused on the transition from vision to implementation across fusion and fission technologies. The conference in Aachen brought together industry leaders, regulators, researchers, and innovators to discuss how next-generation nuclear systems can move from concept to reality.

  • SMR deployment & Gen IV reactor concepts
  • Fusion commercialization & industrial scaling
  • AI applications in nuclear technologies
  • Nuclear infrastructure, licensing & regulation
  • Fuel cycles, tritium systems & advanced materials

Three days of discussions, partnerships, and practical perspectives.

binding.energy 2025 explored the foundations of emerging nuclear technologies and the growing intersection between fusion and fission. The conference brought together international experts from industry, research, regulation, and innovation to discuss how advanced nuclear systems can move from research into practical application.

  • Fusion technology & commercialization pathways
  • Advanced fission systems & SMR development
  • AI, robotics & digital innovation in nuclear
  • Regulatory frameworks & public engagement
  • Industrial applications & investment perspectives

Two days of exchange, collaboration, and practical insights.

Logo of Alpha Ring, a company innovating in fusion and nuclear energy technology
Logo of Advanced Nuclear Fuels, a company specializing in high‑performance nuclear fuel solutions
Logo of Bilfinger SE, an international industrial services provider with strong expertise in the nuclear and energy sectors
Logo of Brenk Systemplanung GmbH, expert consultancy in radiation protection and nuclear engineering
Logo of Copenhagen Atomics, company developing modular molten salt reactors and thorium energy solutions
Logo of digiLab, a company applying AI and data solutions to nuclear and energy engineering
Logo of Dornier Group, engineering and consulting company active in nuclear energy and infrastructure
Logo of Dual Fluid, developer of next-generation nuclear reactors using liquid fuel and lead coolant
EUROfusion logo – European fusion energy research consortium supporting ITER and DEMO development
European Commission logo – Political and executive body of the European Union supporting nuclear innovation and energy research
Logo of Exergon, a company innovating in advanced nuclear and energy technologies
Logo of Focused Energy, a company advancing laser fusion and plasma reactor technologies
Framatome logo – Global nuclear technology company specializing in reactor design, fuel, and instrumentation
Logo of Gauss Fusion, a private fusion company developing stellarator-based fusion energy systems
Logo of GMF – Group of European Municipalities with Nuclear Facilities
Logo of IAEA – International Atomic Energy Agency
Logo of IFE – Institute for Energy Technology, leading nuclear research institute in Norway
Logo of ITER – international fusion energy research project
Logo of KFE – Korea Institute of Fusion Energy
Logo von Marvel Fusion, einem privaten Fusionstechnologie-Unternehmen mit Fokus auf Laser-getriebene Inertialfusion
Logo of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, a leading European research center in fusion energy
Logo of MYRRHA, the world’s first nuclear research infrastructure driven by a particle accelerator
Logo of the Norwegian Nuclear Research Centre (NNRC) – Norway’s center of nuclear physics and chemistry research
Logo of Proxima Fusion, a company developing cutting-edge fusion energy technologies
Logo of SCK CEN, Belgian nuclear research center specializing in radiation, reactor systems, and waste solutions
Logo of SNETP – Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform
Logo of SPRIN‑D, Federal Agency for Disruptive Innovation in Germany
Logo of Transmutex, innovator in accelerator-driven nuclear transmutation technologies
Logo of TÜV Rheinland, global provider of technical inspection and certification services
Logo of Westinghouse Electric Company, a global leader in nuclear technology and energy solutions

INSIGHTS

Deep dives into the technologies, policies, and partnerships fueling tomorrow’s nuclear solutions

Dual Fluid Reactor: Increasing the Energy Return of Nuclear Power

Dual Fluid Reactor: Increasing…

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Accelerated Thorium-LFR Technology: Turning Nuclear Waste into Energy

Accelerated Thorium-LFR Technology: Turning…

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Mass Manufacturing Thorium Reactors: Copenhagen Atomics’ Modular Vision

Mass Manufacturing Thorium Reactors:…

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Nuclear Safety and Security in Europe: JRC’s Strategic 3S Vision

Nuclear Safety and Security…

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IAEA SMR Programme: Globalizing Small Modular Reactor Deployment

IAEA SMR Programme: Globalizing…

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Westinghouse AP300 SMR: Modern Modular Reactors for a Sustainable Energy Future

Westinghouse AP300 SMR: Modern…

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Ultrashort Pulse Laser Fusion: Marvel’s Path to Compact Power Plants

Ultrashort Pulse Laser Fusion:…

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Stellarator Fusion Energy: Proxima Fusion’s Path to Steady-State Power

Stellarator Fusion Energy: Proxima…

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Magnetic Fusion Readiness: From Plasma Science to Commercial Reality

Magnetic Fusion Readiness: From…

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Fusion Innovation Strategy: How SPRIND Powers Disruptive Energy Technologies

Fusion Innovation Strategy: How…

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Inertial Fusion Energy: Focused Energy’s Laser-Powered Roadmap

Inertial Fusion Energy: Focused…

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Gauss Fusion Commercial Roadmap: Europe’s Path to Grid Power

Gauss Fusion Commercial Roadmap:…

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February 19th-20th, 2025 | Aachen, Germany

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REVIEWS

What the Fusion and Fission Community says about binding.energy

Dr. Alain Bécoulet
Dr. Alain BécouletDeputy Director at the ITER Organization
“Comparing Fission and Fusion as a source of nuclear energy the hot core is different, yes, but from the development, constrains, cooling, safety and so on basically it is the same. So there is much more than we think to learn from each other.”
Aline des Cloizeaux
Aline des CloizeauxDirector at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
"Thanks for the invitation to speak about IAEA support for SMRs and for fusion technology development and deployment in a holistic approach. All nuclear technologies will be necessary to address world's climate challenges and meet the Sustainable Development Goals."
Prof. Dr. Hamid Aït Abderrahim
Prof. Dr. Hamid Aït AbderrahimDirector at MYRRHA
"Good job. Bringing people from Fusion and Fission to exchanges ideas and concerns and more important hopes to make things moving rapidly in terms of Demonstrators and even FOAK reactors build soon. My recommendation pay attention to your fuel and even more to your fuel cycle. I was pleased to share my experience based on MYRRHA."
Alexander Gunn
Alexander GunnSenior Scientist at Alpha Ringnal Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
"Our ultimate goal is the same: to replace fossil fuels and provide energy for a sustainable future. Because there is significant overlap in existing topics, this creates opportunities for both technologies to converge and help address the current challenges facing fusion."
Dr. Christophe Bruggeman
Dr. Christophe BruggemanDeputy Director General at SCK CEN
"Thank you for the invitation! It was a pleasure being on stage, talking about SCK CEN's strategic goals and linking these with Germany's ambitions."
Dr. Maria Poetsch
Dr. Maria PoetschRadiation Protection Expert at TÜV SÜD Energietechnik
"Thank you for organizing it and for a really incredibly exciting and educational event! 😊 👍 I'm really looking forward to future developments. Who knows how soon the first fusion reactor might be available..."
Giovanni Landi
Giovanni LandiGeneral Manager at Alpha Ring
"This event was of particular interest. It brings together people from the field of nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. And I am very happy to have seen that there is a lot of technical expertise and know-how on this technology in Europe."
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TÜV SÜD expert Christoph Gatzen showcasing nuclear digitalisation solutions for fusion and fission at the binding.energy B2B conference in Germany
Participant explores virtual reality nuclear training developed with industry by TU Dresden at the binding.energy exhibition while others engage in expert discussions on fusion and fission
Entrance to the binding.energy nuclear industry conference at Eurogress Aachen with Tivoli stadium nearby, hosting the business networking dinner
PhD student and nuclear expert engaged in a technical discussion in the lobby of the binding.energy nuclear conference in Aachen
Audience member asks a question during the panel on synergies and learning between fusion and fission at the binding.energy nuclear conference
Warm and diverse conference dinner buffet served at the binding.energy nuclear event, offering quality catering for business networking and informal exchange
IAEA Director Aline Des Cloizeaux and other nuclear experts taking notes during a presentation at the binding.energy fusion and fission conference in Aachen
Modern interior design of the Eurogress Aachen venue during the binding.energy nuclear industry conference, featuring elegant architecture and natural lighting
Fusion experts Markus Roth, Richard Kembleton, and Frank Jenko in discussion with moderator John Kettler on the main stage at the binding.energy panel on innovations in fusion technology
Experts and participants networking with finger food at the binding.energy exhibition, building new industry collaborations among fusion companies like ITER, Bilfinger, Dornier Hinneburg, and digiLab
Group photo of young nuclear students and PhD candidates with binding.energy conference founder Dr. John Kettler, promoting the next generation in the fusion and fission sector
Dornier Hinneburg Managing Director Dr. Goswin Schreck in discussion with interested participants at the company booth during the binding.energy fusion and fission conference
Alpha Ring expert shares a lighthearted anecdote during the company pitch on stage at binding.energy, highlighting the mission to deliver clean and accessible fusion energy with FusioNow™ technology
International nuclear experts attentively follow a presentation during a conference session at binding.energy, held in the modern conference rooms of Eurogress Aachen
Scenic view from the stands into Aachen’s iconic Tivoli soccer stadium — one of the unique side experiences offered to binding.energy participants during the conference
Relaxed networking evening with participants, speakers, and experts bridging fission and fusion after day one of the binding.energy conference in a modern restaurant and bar atmosphere
Dr. Bálint Batki from the Norwegian Nuclear Research Center presents on AI, data, and robotics to accelerate nuclear deployment during the fusion–fission synergy session at the binding.energy conference
Two conference participants in a warm and focused exchange during a break at binding.energy — exploring opportunities for collaboration in the fusion and fission sector
Participants take focused notes during the second session of the binding.energy conference on advancements in nuclear fission — from current systems to next-generation reactor technologies
Young nuclear expert from ITER explains the organization’s fusion energy mission to students during the binding.energy conference, inspiring the next generation of fusion professionals
Conference initiator and moderator Dr. John Kettler welcomes participants to binding.energy, launching the international platform that bridges fusion and fission for collaboration in nuclear technology transfer, regulation, and radiation protection
Evening ambiance at binding.energy with elegant lighting, modern white furniture, warm color accents, and stylish floral decor — creating a relaxed networking atmosphere for participants
Two nuclear experts in formal attire engaged in conversation at the binding.energy exhibition hall; one facing the camera with white beard and glasses, the other holding documents — reflecting the professional tone of the conference
Urenco Germany Managing Director Dr. Jörg Harren visible among exhibitors like Framatome and JEN in the busy binding.energy exhibition hall, following his talk on advanced nuclear fuels and HALEU for next-generation reactors
Impressive night view of the Tivoli Aachen entrance with illuminated glass facade and glowing yellow roof — a signature location for the binding.energy evening program
Alpha Ring presents a sponsor pitch on the main stage at binding.energy, sharing their vision for clean and accessible fusion energy during a dedicated slot between expert sessions
Binding.energy International Conference on Nuclear Technologies banner displayed above the entrance of Eurogress Aachen, welcoming participants to the event
Dr. Angelgiorgio Iorizzo of the European Commission delivers a talk on the Euratom Research and Training Programme while moderator Dr. John Kettler listens attentively on the main stage at binding.energy
Amanda Niedfeldt, Head of Business Development at digiLab, engages in friendly discussion with interested participants at the binding.energy exhibitor booth, presenting AI-driven solutions for complex engineering challenges in safety-critical sectors
Panel discussion at binding.energy on scaling nuclear technologies to implementation, with Dr. Christoph Bruggman (SCK CEN) addressing the moderator, Prof. Hamid Ait Abderrahim (MYRRHA) in side view, and Giuseppe Sangiovanni (Exergon) partly visible in the background
Fusion leaders Dr. Yeong-Kook Oh (Korean Institute of Fusion Energy) and Dr. Alain Becoulet (ITER) engage in discussion on the main stage at binding.energy, exploring how to scale nuclear technologies from research to real-world implementation
Engaged audience listening attentively to expert talks on topics such as fusion-fission synergies, digitalisation in nuclear, HALEU fuels, and AI-driven innovation at the binding.energy conference
All invited binding.energy participants gathered in the main dining hall of Tivoli Stadium for a relaxed evening dinner — enjoying conversation, good food, and a warm atmosphere after a day of expert exchange
Dr. Meritxell Martell (GMF) appears via live video on the main screen at binding.energy to speak on community engagement in new nuclear technologies, alongside Dr. Duarte Borba (EUROfusion), Dr. Jens-Uwe Schmollack (TÜV Rheinland), and moderator on stage
The modern white booth of Dornier Hinneburg at the binding.energy exhibition, with a stand representative in professional exchange with a participant in the brightly lit, architecturally refined exhibition hall
Elegant bar area at the binding.energy event venue with soft pink lighting, white-upholstered seating, and illuminated glassware — creating an inviting atmosphere for cocktails and quiet conversation
Quiet retreat space at the binding.energy conference venue with elegant black leather chairs, red carpeting, and tiled floors — ideal for focused laptop work or professional reading in a calm setting
Dr. Alain Bécoulet, Deputy Director at ITER Organization, presents on the future of fusion energy at binding.energy, pointing to a slide of the ITER main building with international flags while speaking on the main stage before a focused audience
Tivoli Aachen entrance at night, showcasing illuminated yellow roof and modern glass facade, reflecting binding.energy’s blend of architectural elegance and dynamic conference environment
Moderator Dr. John Kettler engaging the audience on stage at binding.energy, combining his nuclear science expertise with two decades of experience in the nuclear industry and event leadership
Dr. John Kettler, moderator of binding.energy and nuclear expert, shares a relaxed and engaged conversation with a participant during a coffee break — illustrating his commitment to connecting people across the nuclear industry
The organizing team of binding.energy poses on the main stage in front of the official conference banner and sponsor logos — representing the dedicated people who brought the international fusion and fission event to life
Tobias Ravn Thomsen from Copenhagen Atomics delivering a captivating talk on mass manufacturing thorium reactors during binding.energy, photographed through a microphone silhouette with the conference logo clearly visible at the speaker’s podium
Bright lounge area of the Tivoli stadium in Aachen with white tables and chairs illuminated by daylight through the glass façade — set for the binding.energy conference dinner
Female nuclear expert in the audience of binding.energy passionately asks a question during the panel on fusion technology innovations, highlighting active engagement and diversity in the field
Torsten Pfalz, Segment Manager for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection at TÜV Rheinland, smiles in conversation with a colleague in the bright conference lobby at binding.energy
Prepared snacks and drinks set up in the foyer at binding.energy, ready to welcome participants during a short networking break after the auditorium sessions
Main stage of binding.energy captured from the audience view during the opening of the session "Fusion driven by industry", featuring the European Fusion Association with moderator Dr. John Kettler introducing the panel
Dr. Christian Ruff, Project Manager Nuclear Technology at Bilfinger SE, in an engaged discussion with a participant at the sponsor’s booth during binding.energy
Binding.energy participants are welcomed with warm food and cold drinks at the Tivoli stadium, featuring a grill stand, drink station, and decorated tables on the pitch, with a view of the stadium stands in the background
Dr. Martin Pache, Managing Director at Westinghouse Germany, presents his visionary talk "(R)Evolution in Nuclear Energy" on advanced nuclear reactor concepts during binding.energy’s fission session
Evening networking atmosphere at binding.energy in the iconic Tivoli Stadium bar, with fusion and fission experts, speakers, and participants gathered in lively conversation under futuristic blue lighting
Participants at binding.energy nuclear conference exchanging ideas during a coffee break between fusion and fission presentations, gathered in small groups at standing tables with drinks and snacks
Dr. Alain Bécoulet (ITER Organization) and Dr. Yeong-Kook Oh (Korea Institute of Fusion Energy) in expert panel discussion on fusion technology at binding.energy International Conference, with moderator and conference banner on main stage
Close-up of speaker podium with binding.energy International Conference on Nuclear Technologies banner at the main stage
Nuclear expert Guido Houben from Transmutex in professional exchange with two other industry leaders during the binding.energy conference
Fusion experts Prof. Dr. Markus Roth (Focused Energy), Richard Kembleton (Gauss Fusion), and Prof. Dr. Frank Jenko (Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik) in high-level panel discussion at binding.energy conference on fusion technology innovations
Felix Moellerke and Dr. Thomas Mull from ANF Framatome GmbH present the nuclear e-learning platform competence-hub at their exhibition booth during binding.energy
Participants of the binding.energy conference engage in dynamic networking and partnership discussions in the exhibition area
Young international nuclear expert in suit engages in the binding.energy conference by asking a pointed question on fusion-fission synergies during Topic 3 discussion
Richard Kembleton (Gauss Fusion) smiling during fusion technology panel at binding.energy, alongside Prof. Dr. Markus Roth and Prof. Dr. Frank Jenko
Dr. Jörg Kaulard, Managing Director of Brenk Systemplanung, presenting his company during a sponsor pitch on the main stage at binding.energy nuclear technologies conference