F4E helps experts to map critical fusion technologies

To build ITER and future fusion power plants, Europe must master a wide range of technologies. Its scientific foundations and industrial facilities are world-class, but there are still gaps ahead.

In line with its industrial policy, Fusion for Energy (F4E) has brought together hundreds of experts to map Europe’s capabilities in key technologies and identify opportunities for further research and investment. It’s a practice widely used in other high-tech sectors, like space or aeronautics.

Through a series of workshops, which kicked off in early 2025, eight technical areas have been covered so far. The findings and recommendations of each workshop are presented in reports, with six being available: Fuel Cycle, Magnets, Additive Manufacturing, Metrology and Reverse Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Plasma-Facing Components.

The most valuable outcome of these workshops is collaboration. In some of the topics, it’s the first time that experts have come together to discuss them. Thanks to F4E, participants from academia, research centres, industry, SMEs, start-ups, and other Big Science projects joined in large numbers to meet, exchange and network.

“It is important to have such workshops. By gathering different perspectives, we can discuss the topics in depth and converge on priorities,” says Javier Serrano, F4E Programme Manager. “At the same time, we’re forging a more cohesive community, and we’re seeing new partnerships shape up,” he adds. In fact, scientific entities like EUROfusion, CERN, BSC, CVŘ and ESS have helped organise and host some of the sessions.

The reports are a shared reference for the fusion ecosystem. In a nutshell, they chart where Europe is strongest, where there are vulnerabilities (such as supply bottlenecks or external dependence) and where investments can have a greater impact.

“The reports are available to the fusion community to guide innovation and mobilise R&D resources in a coordinated manner, leveraging on our learnings from ITER. Ultimately, this is about Europe staying ahead of the curve and retaining critical know-how,” stresses Marc Lachaise, F4E Director.

The workshops are linked to F4E’s Technology Development Programme (TDP), which stems from the industrial policy approved by F4E’s Governing Board. This framework aims to reinforce F4E’s support to shaping a competitive and resilient fusion supply chain in Europe to deliver ITER and projects to come. It also contributes to the second pillar of F4E’s strategic vision, focused on developing a pool of talent and knowledge for future fusion power plants.

The TDP is also filling in technology and knowledge gaps. After two pilots, last year F4E launched six new calls to support R&D in technologies selected through the participatory process and will sign nine contracts in the coming months.