How Wisconsin is Becoming a Nuclear Fusion Hub
Southern Wisconsin is quickly emerging as a leader in the development of nuclear fusion technology, a promising source of clean energy that could revolutionize how the world powers its future. With cutting-edge research being conducted in Stoughton, Janesville, and Madison, the region is attracting attention from the federal government, private investors, and scientists worldwide.
In the summer of 2024, several breakthroughs highlighted Wisconsin’s growing influence in nuclear fusion. On July 15, a team of scientists in Stoughton generated a beam of superheated plasma—a significant step towards creating efficient nuclear fusion. A week later, researchers in Janesville announced that their particle accelerator produced 50 trillion nuclear fusion neutrons per second, making it one of the most powerful devices of its kind globally. Then, to round out the month, a Tennessee-based company with a Madison office secured over $82 million in seed funding for a fusion prototype, further strengthening Wisconsin’s position in this high-tech field.
The Science of Fusion
Nuclear fusion, the process of merging atomic particles to release vast amounts of energy, is seen as the holy grail of clean energy. Unlike fission, which powers today’s nuclear reactors by splitting atoms, fusion generates less radiation and holds the potential to provide a nearly limitless, carbon-free energy source. The challenge is that efficiently creating fusion reactions at scale has long eluded scientists.
Several companies in Southern Wisconsin are at the forefront of tackling this challenge. Among them are Realta Fusion in Madison, SHINE Technologies in Janesville, and Type One Energy, which maintains a strong research presence in the state despite recently moving its headquarters to Tennessee. These companies are all racing to develop commercial fusion systems that could change how energy is produced globally.
Federal and Private Investment
With the backing of federal funding and private investments, Wisconsin’s fusion research is poised to make significant strides in the coming years. For example, Realta Fusion and Type One Energy are both part of a $46 million federal initiative aimed at advancing fusion technology by the end of the decade. SHINE Technologies, meanwhile, has received $32 million in federal funds to support its medical isotope production, a business that helps finance its fusion research.
SHINE is the fifth-oldest private fusion company in the world and has secured over $800 million in investments, a testament to the confidence in Wisconsin’s role in the future of fusion. According to a recent industry survey, of the 45 private fusion companies operating globally, three are based in Southern Wisconsin—underscoring the region’s importance on the international stage.
A Future Energy Powerhouse
Wisconsin’s nuclear fusion efforts are built on a foundation of research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, home to the Fusion Technology Institute. Established in 1971, the institute has produced more advanced-degree fusion engineers than any other program in the nation. Many of the state’s leading fusion companies, including SHINE, spun out from this research hub, and they continue to collaborate closely with the university.
Leaders of Wisconsin’s fusion companies believe that the state has the potential to become a global center for the fusion industry. Realta Fusion CEO Kieran Furlong has compared Wisconsin’s potential in the fusion industry to the role Detroit played in the automobile industry in the 1950s and Houston’s leadership in the oil and gas sector today.
“We see a future where Wisconsin is manufacturing and exporting fusion technology to the world,” Furlong said.
Challenges and Opportunities
While excitement around fusion is building, the road ahead is long. SHINE’s CEO Greg Piefer describes nuclear fusion as an “evolutionary inevitability,” though one that may take decades to fully realize. SHINE has a four-phase plan, starting with medical isotope production and eventually leading to the development of a commercially viable fusion power plant by 2040.
The company is also exploring fusion’s potential applications in industries like defense and aerospace. SHINE’s particle accelerator, for example, simulates the effects of nuclear attacks and cosmic radiation on defense-related electronics, such as satellites. As the technology matures, fusion could be used to recycle nuclear waste and, ultimately, generate power.
Furlong believes that engaging the local community and preparing the next generation for careers in fusion will be key to Wisconsin’s success. Realta Fusion is already working with organizations like Stellar Tech Girls and Madison College’s STEM Academy to inspire young people to pursue careers in fusion engineering and other high-tech fields.
The Path Forward
Despite the immense promise of fusion, there are hurdles to overcome. Fusion research is expensive and complex, and the technology has to be developed safely, affordably, and reliably before it can be integrated into the state’s energy mix. However, many believe the investment is worth it.
As Wisconsin lawmakers explore the future of clean energy, nuclear fusion has bipartisan support. In February, the state held a hearing to learn more about fusion and other emerging energy technologies. With Wisconsin aiming to achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2050, fusion could play a significant role in the state’s long-term energy strategy.
Wisconsin’s growing reputation as a fusion hub presents an opportunity not only to address climate change but also to drive economic growth. By leveraging its strong research and manufacturing capabilities, Southern Wisconsin could become the global center for the fusion industry, providing clean energy solutions to the world and creating thousands of jobs in the process.
