A Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing on fusion Thursday saw boosters call for an ambitious federal program to ensure the energy source capitalizes on its game-changing potential.
Jackie Siebens, public affairs director for fusion developer Helion Energy, advocated for a new bipartisan initiative that shares similar aims to landmark climate and technology legislation passed under the Biden administration.
“Fusion, as a transformative energy technology, requires targeted support beyond what current frameworks offer,” Siebens said. “To that end, the U.S. can take the best elements of a bipartisan program akin to the CHIPS Act but with a focus on fusion — a fusion advantage initiative.”
Both lawmakers and advocates at the hearing said such an effort would not just push a promising zero-carbon energy, but also ensure that China doesn’t gain a competitive supply chain advantage.
