Public Education and Engagement in Fusion Energy

Fusion energy powers the sun and stars. Fusion occurs when two light elements combine to form a larger element, releasing vast amounts of energy in the process. While the fusion reaction is the most abundant reaction in our universe and relies on fusing together hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, it is very difficult to achieve the conditions for fusion here on Earth. Unlike in the stars, where immense heat and gravitational pressures sustain fusion reactions for billions of years, creating the conditions for fusion reactions on Earth requires extreme temperatures and pressures. At these conditions, matter is in the plasma state. A variety of approaches are being pursued to create and control fusion plasmas for use on Earth. 

The potential impacts of fusion energy can be huge - an energy source based on hydrogen fuel can provide a path to power the next phase of human civilization by decarbonizing electricity and industry processes, mitigating the impacts of climate change, providing energy security and energy independence, and increasing global economic development. In order to deploy fusion energy systems globally, they must be designed to align with community values and needs. This will require pathways to provide two-way public engagement opportunities to provide educational opportunities from primary school through professional development as well as methods to take into consideration communities values, hopes and concerns for fusion energy systems in the earliest stages of the development process when the designs are the most flexible. By integrating and incorporating community concerns now, this can provide a pathway to faster development and deployment of fusion energy. 

Little is known by the general public about fusion energy. There is a need for the development of wide scale educational programs, building global partnerships to engage the public and private stakeholders to build an understanding of the unique benefits and risks of fusion energy technology. Another important avenue of engagement is with energy and environmental justice organizations around the world to ensure that fusion energy is an inclusive technology from day one and to ensure that the benefits and burdens of fusion are equitably distributed. International bodies and multi-country meetings, and grassroots efforts can provide opportunities for two-way public engagement.