Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) is urging the Biden administration and Congress to increase funding for emerging energy technology to maintain the United States’ leadership position in the field. Despite recent progress, the federal budget for fiscal year 2025 falls short of the necessary allocations outlined in the CHIPS and Science Act of 2021 and industry leaders’ requests for fusion energy research and development funding.
Lofgren emphasized the importance of meeting these funding benchmarks to support the growth of the U.S. fusion industry during a hearing on the Department of Energy’s proposed budget. While the proposed budget includes a 6.9% increase in funding for fusion energy programs, it falls short of the $1 billion per year recommended by experts.
She highlighted the recent breakthroughs in fusion energy research and development, noting the potential of fusion energy to provide clean and limitless energy. Lofgren expressed concern over the funding shortfalls in the budget proposal and emphasized the need for increased investment in fusion technology to maintain competitiveness on a global scale.
Despite challenges posed by budget constraints, Lofgren remains optimistic about bipartisan support for advancing fusion energy technology in the future. She emphasized the importance of securing adequate funding to support ongoing research and development efforts in fusion energy.
There is currently a competition happening,”
Mr. Turk mentioned that additional funding for fusion programs could be included when House Republicans present their version of the energy budget in the upcoming weeks.
If this does not happen, he stated that the administration’s spending request is designed according to the current circumstances.
“So, to be honest, when we consider the funding provided by Congress in the past, we strive to allocate as much as possible in a budget-constrained environment for numerous priorities,” Mr. Turk explained. “That’s why you see the FY25 requests reflecting this.”
Ms. Lofgren highlighted that the Fusion Industry Association has recently proposed a $3 billion supplemental appropriation “to enhance a specific set of facilities, programs, and research activities that would position the U.S. as a global leader in the emerging fusion industry.”
Their request is akin to the “proposed billions” earmarked by the administration for nuclear fuel research and production, she pointed out.
“I am very interested in their proposal,” Mr. Turk responded. Given that China is spending $1.5 billion annually on fusion, “we have a significant opportunity to ensure that we maintain our leadership position in this field, which we currently hold. I believe that $3 billion in a supplemental context is very appropriate.”
Ms. Lofgren mentioned that there are eight companies in the Milestone program collaborating on FIRE projects, and the $3 billion would be crucial for making advancements.
“I would like to point out that we are currently the leaders in fusion,” she remarked, noting that the DOE, caucus, and advisory committee had a “bold plan” that is not being adequately funded to achieve its goals.
She continued, stating, “Instead, China funded the plan. Therefore, if we do not take action now, we will not only lose our global leadership position, but we will once again fall behind China due to our lack of foresight. I believe this is a significant disappointment.”
“Very well said, ranking member,” Committee Chair Rep. Frank Lucas (R-Okla.) agreed.
