Scientists at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California achieved a historic breakthrough in late 2022 by producing more energy from a nuclear fusion experiment than was consumed for the first time. Following this, in May 2025, the NIF reported an output of 8.6 megajoules (MJ), showcasing the potential for significantly higher energy yields in future experiments.
Private firms such as Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion are attracting billions in funding, with Commonwealth alone raising over $2 billion. Furthermore, major tech companies like Alphabet and Microsoft are making moves to purchase fusion energy for the early 2030s, indicating a belief in the viability of fusion as a clean energy source.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is propelling advancements in nuclear fusion by accelerating data analysis and optimizing reactor designs, suggesting a synergistic relationship between these two technological fronts that could redefine global energy reliance.
