Magnetic Fusion Readiness: From Plasma Science to Commercial Reality
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Frank Jenko (Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics)
Steps to Transfer Nuclear Fusion to Commercial Application
In his keynote at binding.energy 2025, Prof. Dr. Frank Jenko delivered a high-level yet accessible overview of what it takes to turn fusion from scientific promise into industrial reality. As head of the Tokamak Theory Division at MPI for Plasma Physics and Honorary Professor at TUM, Jenko draws on three decades of research and leadership in computational fusion science.
“It’s no longer just about ignition. It’s about knowing what comes next – and how to build it responsibly.”
From Spark to Burn: Fusion’s Latest Breakthroughs
The physics is catching up to the vision:
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✅ December 2022: NIF reaches 3 MJ fusion output from 2 MJ input
But: Total laser energy = 300 MJ (!)
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✅ JET tokamak (2021–2023): sustained D-T plasma record
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✅ SPARC (2027): >100 MW fusion power expected
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✅ ITER: first plasma operations underway
These experiments bring us closer to burning plasmas – the critical condition for real-world fusion.
Fusion Challenges: It’s More Than Just Heat
Jenko identified three intertwined challenges for future fusion power plants:
Fusion Challenges for Future Power Plants
| Domain | Core Issues |
|---|---|
| Plasma Physics | Confinement, turbulence, triple product, exhaust control |
| Engineering & Materials | Radiation effects, neutron shielding, tritium breeding, remote handling |
| Systems & Operations | Fuel cycle integration, safety, activation, licensing, economics |
“From turbulence to tritium, every detail matters when scaling from the lab to the grid.”
Public + Private = Progress
Fusion used to be the domain of mega-projects. Today, it’s a global hybrid model:
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📊 $5B+ invested in private fusion startups
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🔬 Partnerships with public labs (e.g., SPARC, Commonwealth, Max Planck, etc.)
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⚙️ Technology accelerators: HTS magnets, 3D printing, AI-based control
Public-Private Synergies in Action:
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ITER (Europe): 796 contractors, 2350 companies, 23 countries
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BEST (China): Construction started 2023, burning plasma in 2027
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US & UK: Private pilots & parallel regulatory frameworks
From “Trial & Error” to “Predict First”
Jenko highlighted a paradigm shift: using digital twins, AI, and multi-fidelity models to replace costly trial-and-error.
GENE-X & Exascale Computing
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📊 First whole-device simulation of a Tokamak (TCV)
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🧮 Combines HiFi physics with LoFi real-time control algorithms
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🚀 Foundation for predictive reactor design and autonomous operations
Readiness for Industry: Fusion at Scale
The next steps are non-technical as much as technical. According to Jenko, fusion won’t scale without:
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Regulatory frameworks for fusion-specific safety
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Tritium breeding & remote maintenance systems
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Qualified supply chains for steel, superconductors, lithium
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Public understanding and political support
Fusion Commercial Readiness Checklist
- Physics proof-of-concept (SPARC, NIF, JET)
- Simulation & control (GENE-X, AI twins)
- Materials & tritium cycle (IFMIF, DONES)
- Regulatory clarity & infrastructure rollout
- Supply chain and economic viability
Why Magnetic Fusion Readiness Matters
The phrase Magnetic Fusion Readiness signals a new stage in the global fusion effort. No longer is the challenge just about achieving ignition in the lab. The focus is shifting toward building systems that can run as reliable power plants. This includes physics validation, engineering integration, regulatory foresight and supply chain preparation. The readiness concept bridges the gap between scientific milestones and commercial deployment.
From Breakthroughs to Deployment
Recent successes such as NIF’s ignition shot, JET’s sustained plasma and ITER’s progress demonstrate that the scientific foundations are strong. But readiness requires more than physics. It demands solutions for materials under extreme neutron loads, viable tritium breeding cycles and remote maintenance architectures. These steps move fusion away from one-off experiments and toward repeatable, scalable systems.
Digital Tools as Enablers
One of Jenko’s key messages is that predictive simulation will redefine fusion development. With tools such as GENE-X, scientists can simulate whole-device behavior, test scenarios virtually and reduce the need for trial-and-error. This saves time and resources, while also enabling autonomous reactor control in the future. Digital twins are becoming as important as superconductors and materials in the readiness portfolio.
Industrial and Regulatory Readiness
Scaling fusion requires more than laboratories. Qualified supply chains for superconducting magnets, high-grade steels and lithium breeding materials are essential. Regulatory clarity is equally urgent. Unlike fission, fusion has no established global licensing framework. Developing fusion-specific safety standards and pilot licensing pathways will determine how fast projects can scale. Europe’s proactive role in regulatory foresight could become a competitive advantage.
Public-Private Synergies
Magnetic fusion readiness also reflects the rise of hybrid ecosystems. Public megaprojects like ITER coexist with private ventures such as Commonwealth Fusion Systems or SPARC. These collaborations accelerate development, pool risk and allow parallel innovation. The fact that billions of dollars in private capital are already invested shows that the market believes in fusion’s trajectory.
A European Perspective
Jenko closed with optimism grounded in realism:
“The world is not waiting for us to agree. We must be ready – scientifically, technically, and industrially – to take the lead.”
He advocates for Europe to:
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Invest in regulatory foresight
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Build pilot power plants with parallel licensing
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Lead in digital fusion innovation
What’s Next at binding.energy?
Fusion’s transition to commercialization will take decades of persistence – but it starts with collaboration today. At binding.energy, leaders from public labs, private startups, and regulatory agencies come together.
