Key enabling technologies for fusion power plants (European Partnership on Fusion Energy)

What is this call about?

The topic funds Euratom Innovation Actions that mature and demonstrate key technologies for fusion power plants: plasma heating and current drive, high-temperature superconducting magnets, or diagnostics and control. Consortia should combine public research with start-ups, SMEs and industry.

What does this call fund?

Scope

The topic funds Euratom Innovation Actions under the co-programmed European Partnership on Fusion Energy, a public-private partnership that aims at a successful transition to commercially viable fusion power plants. Each proposal is expected to address one of three key technology areas:

• plasma heating and current drive: high-performance, compact, efficient and cost-effective technologies such as gyrotrons and neutral-beam injectors that operate reliably in a harsh reactor environment;
• high-temperature superconducting magnets: stronger, smaller and more efficient magnets with high resistance to mechanical stress and neutron irradiation, suitable for large-scale, cost-effective manufacturing;
• diagnostics and control: hardware and software for enhanced monitoring and management of power plant operation, for example AI-driven control, advanced modelling and simulation, and innovative sensors.

What proposals should do

• set out the technology gaps addressed and show a thorough understanding of the needs of viable fusion power plants and of the state of the art;
• define the expected technology advances, as far as possible with quantitative targets or key performance indicators;
• describe the testing and demonstration approach, the target technology readiness level and how maturation will be monitored;
• enable close cooperation between public research and private companies (start-ups, SMEs and industry), reflected in the consortium and the activities;
• demonstrate the business potential of the innovation within and, where relevant, beyond the fusion field;
• where relevant, address safety constraints and build on related EU initiatives such as EUROfusion and Fusion for Energy.

Proposals should also explain how they align with the partnership's strategic research and innovation agenda and include activities that contribute to the partnership, such as monitoring, communication and liaison with its Board.

Expected outcomes

Technologies matured and demonstrated at TRL 6 to 8, tested in close-to-real-life conditions, with a credible business case showing the benefits for EU companies in the fusion field.

When is the deadline?

4 March 2027 (118 days)