Member of the CPPCC Duan Xuru: Steadily Promote the Industrialization Development of Controlled Nuclear Fusion

[Caixin] During the 2026 National “Two Sessions,” Duan Xuru, member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and chief scientist in the fusion field at China National Nuclear Corporation, stated that from a global perspective, the commercialization of fusion energy is showing an accelerating trend.

He pointed out that, based on technological development pathways, the commercialization of fusion energy typically involves six stages: principle exploration, large-scale experiments, burning experiments, experimental reactors, demonstration reactors, and commercial reactors. Currently, China is in the “burning experiment” stage. Scientifically and technologically, it has the conditions to conduct related experiments, such as plasma parameters and device operation. However, achieving the commercialization of fusion energy still faces many technical and industrial challenges.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s “World Fusion Outlook 2025” report shows that nearly 40 countries worldwide are currently advancing nuclear fusion research and development plans. Meanwhile, governments and capital markets continue to increase investments, pushing fusion technology toward engineering and industrialization.