Global Licensing and Regulation Framework to accelerate the development and deployment of fusion energy

Kaiser, R.B., Rogner, H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1045-9830, Shihab-Eldin, A., & Gonzalez de Vicente, S.M. (2026). Global Licensing and Regulation Framework to accelerate the development and deployment of fusion energy. Energy Strategy Reviews 63 e102020. 10.1016/j.esr.2025.102020.

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Abstract

Fusion energy, the energy that powers the stars, is now almost within our grasp. Most recent timelines agree on the second half of the 2030s for the realisation of a Fusion Energy pilot plant. For this clean, virtually carbon-neutral energy source to contribute to the mitigation of the climate crisis and contribute to meeting the growing energy demand, fusion energy will have to be deployed quickly – more quickly than was the case for solar and wind power. There are numerous factors that have to be considered, but licensing and regulation is a key factor. This paper introduces the basic facts on fusion energy, makes the case for an International Licensing and Regulation Framework for Fusion Energy, shows examples from other fields that demonstrate that this is feasible and develops a 7-point plan for such a framework. In technical aspects the paper focuses on magnetic confinement fusion, but the general aspects and the 7-point plan apply to fusion energy in general.

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