Predictions for the use of nuclear fusion

Infographic of April 4, 2025

Title: Predictions for the use of nuclear fusion: Expected timeframes for operational reactors are regularly delayed Description: The image presents a timeline illustrating predictions from professional publications regarding the expected timeframes for the operational use of nuclear fusion reactors. The predictions are divided into three periods, each showing the median values for the time until the commissioning of a demonstration power plant and until commercial power generation. Timeline Breakdown: Publications from 1974 to 1995: Demonstration power plant expected in 15 years. Commercial power generation expected in 36 years. Publications from 1995 to 2014: Demonstration power plant expected in 26 years. Commercial power generation expected in 45 years. Publications from 2015 to 2025: Demonstration power plant expected in 20 years. Commercial power generation expected in 24 years. Visual Elements: The timeline spans from 1985 to 2050. Each period is represented by a book icon and a bar indicating the years until the expected milestones. The bars are color-coded: dark yellow for the time until a demonstration power plant and light yellow for the time until commercial power generation. The image highlights the trend of delayed expectations for the operational use of nuclear fusion reactors over time. The source of the data is noted as the authors' depiction, and the image is credited to "© DIW Berlin 2025." The image is part of the DIW Weekly Report dated April 14-15, 2025. This description provides an overview of the historical predictions and delays in the development of nuclear fusion technology for power generation.

© DIW Berlin

Topics: Climate policy , Energy economics , Industry

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