context: Backed by strong policy support, capital investment and coordinated efforts, Beijing aims to build the first industrial fusion reactor by 2035, with recent advancements targeting key technical challenges to stay on track with this ambitious timeline.
China Fusion Energy Co Ltd, with registered capital of C¥15 bn, was officially established in Shanghai’s Lingang Free Trade Zone on 22 July. Led by China National Nuclear Corporation and joined by 25 major central enterprises and research institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the China Three Gorges Corporation, this new state-owned enterprise represents a major step in the PRC’s controlled nuclear fusion ambitions, reports EastMoney.
The company forms part of a broader fusion roadmap, aligned with the 'three-step' strategy: basic research, engineering transformation and commercialisation. The layout links Hefei’s EAST tokamak, a global leader in magnetic confinement fusion, with Lingang’s focus on industrial-scale application—creating a dual-core ecosystem from lab to grid.
The PRC is working to bring fusion’s perpetual promise closer to reality. According to its roadmap
- short term (2025–30): complete the CFETR experimental reactor, targeting 500–1,000 MW energy output—faster than the international ITER project
- mid-term (2030–35): launch demonstration plants and solve tritium breeding challenges for sustainable fuel supply
- long term (post-2035): build commercial fusion power stations
To accelerate progress, the company adopts a dual-track technical approach: magnetic confinement (tokamak-based) and inertial confinement (laser ignition). It has also created a C¥5 bn technology fund, focusing on
- high-temperature superconducting magnets (supplied by Western Superconducting)
- liquid lithium blankets (led by Dongfang Electric)
- first wall materials (developed by Advanced Technology & Materials Co)
A full industrial chain is forming—ranging from vacuum chambers (China National Machinery) to neutron shielding (Baoti Co) and plasma control systems (Tianwo Tech).
With state support and growing market participation (e.g. Three Gorges Corporation bringing grid expertise), the PRC is poised to move fusion from lab breakthrough to industrial deployment—potentially birthing a fusion energy unicorn by 2030.