Elon, Edison, and Fusion Haters
Fusion energy faces skeptics, but history proves persistence wins.
Fusion Energy - The Haters, Skeptics and Believers
I am sure folks who have been in fusion energy longer than I, have heard from their fair share of haters and skeptics. I have to confess that I am amazed at how many of the haters have PhDs and other advanced degrees. I can't tell if their concerns are from a bad personal experience and they somehow got passed over by the fusion world for a grant or program - or they genuinely believe that all of the fusion folks are crazy or misguided - or they just need a few hugs.
One would think those who do product development, primary research, and hard science trying to solve one of humanity's biggest challenges would support others trying to do the same. Still, alas, that is not the case. Either way, I hope they find what they are seeking and wish any members of the fusion community the best of luck.
They seem dedicated to combating those who champion Fusion energy, which is fine because it only motivates me to work harder so fusion energy will happen. While I know “haters are gonna hate,” I hope they know we are doing this for them, ourselves, our kids, and future generations.
Tom Edison's 10,000 Ways That Did Not Work
Most of us have heard one version or another of the famous quote attributed to Thomas Edison about inventing the light bulb: “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work.”
I like to believe the 40+ private Fusion companies and national labs worldwide are working through their 10,000 failures on the path to finding the one or few that are commercially viable. Like Edison, we must eliminate the ways that will not work to find the ways that will work. Yes, many others can claim he had better PR for this invention. However, the essence of this much-overused quote is persistent efforts and continued improvements are the only way to achieve commercially viable fusion energy.
Elon, The “First Skeptic”
While Elon Musk has many titles (CEO, chief Efficiency Officer of DOGE, Founder, Investor) and attributions (First Buddy, Visionary), we could also add First Skeptic to Fusion Energy. Elon’s answer for Fusion energy is, “The Sun is are already there; my recommendation for fusion is solar power and batteries.” However, he seems open to fusion propulsion for space travel.
Fusion Investments (Capital, IQ, and Time)
Over $1.5 billion in private funding and over $4 billion in government funding was put into Fusion Energy in 2024. Numerous funding rounds demonstrate significant investor interest in fusion energy technologies across various approaches and stages of development. The large amounts raised, particularly Pacific Fusion's $900 million round, indicate growing confidence in the potential of fusion energy to become a commercially viable power source in the coming years.
Below are the top six funding rounds closed in 2024; another 11 fundings account for over $150M.
Fusion and 10X PhDs From China
According to the Wall Street Journal, China has committed to creating 10x more fusion energy PhDs than the U.S.
The College of William and Mary’s Associate Professor Saskia Mordijk says the US can keep pace if it makes the right investments now, but the clock is ticking. Funds must be allocated, fusion energy faculty needs to be expanded, and STEM programs must be accelerated to achieve the same skilled workforce. Additionally, we must build, operate, and maintain the plants and growing power grid infrastructure that will require more skilled tradespeople. Staffing for fusion energy will be vital to the industry and technology developments. The proverbial ball is in our court. We have the ability and time, but we must also have the will to make it happen, or we will concede another critical technology to China.
History and Fortune Favors Fusion
The phrase “fortune favors the bold” has its roots in ancient Latin proverbs and has been attributed to several notable figures, most often attributed to the Roman poet Virgil. In his epic poem Aeneid he used the Latin phrase audentes Fortuna iuvat, which translates to “fortune favors the bold.” This is the north star for fusion energy; our industry must be bold, audacious, and undeterred by those who do not share the same vision and purpose.
When technologies have repeatedly been vital to humanity's great purpose and needs, public-private partnerships have proven the best way to achieve what many think is impossible. I am neither naive nor pollyannaish; those who have invested billions will expect trillions in return. Fusion companies and fusion investors are simultaneously trying to achieve purpose and profit.
Elon, Edison, Fusion, and the Haters
Say what you will about Elon Musk; the man has big dreams and has executed to make them real in many different fields of technology. Like Elon and Edison, we have to have people who have both technical, business, and showman/PR skills to make an industry accepted. As we all know, the best tech does not always win; the best presented, the most scalable, and well-marketed tech usually does. This may be why Commonwealth Fusion Systems is building one of the first plants, and Bob Mumgaard has raised the most cash. He brings the audacity, tech, and showmanship of a Musk or Edison required to transform the technology to commercial usage. Finally, the haters will hate, even after we prove them wrong. That is okay. We are happy to supply clean power to everyone.