The capabilities exist to build the fusion power systems of this decade, as current design and construction needs will rely on a small workforce and a few specialist firms. However, the projected expansion of fusion power technology will require substantial investment from suppliers in new facilities and will need new companies to enter the supply chain.

A Fusion Industry Association survey of 26 private fusion companies calculated that the supply chain was worth over $500 million in 2022 and is set to increase to over $7 billion by the time developers build their “first of a kind” power plants. When the fusion industry reaches maturity, the supply chain is predicted to be worth trillions of dollars.

While most of the materials and components such as concrete, steel and power electronics for commercial fusion power plants will be met through already existing supply chains, there are needs that are unique to the fusion industry. These encompass specialized manufactured components such as high-powered magnets, laser components, heat management technologies, advanced materials, high powered semiconductors and fusion fuel.

As some suppliers may not be ready to scale ahead of demand, 58% of fusion companies indicated that suppliers need to invest now to meet scaling ambitions. However, 70% said their suppliers see building the capacity to meet future demand as too risky without committed orders.

Recommendations to address supplier reluctance include increasing investment, both public and private, into fusion to give confidence about the necessity of supplier scale. Experimenting with risk-sharing financing to enable suppliers to invest in new capacity is also advocated, as is implementation of standardization and regulation to bring more certainty to the supply chain and confidence to make long-term investments.