Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and Pacific Fusion have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a public-private collaboration focused on high-yield fusion, high-energy-density science, and related technical areas. This agreement coincides with Pacific Fusion beginning construction of its Research and Manufacturing Campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which will house the world's first high-yield, high-gain fusion demonstration system for high-energy-density and inertial fusion experiments.
The MOU, signed by NNSA Administrator Brandon Williams and Pacific Fusion Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer Keith LeChien, aims to advance shared interests in developing, integrating, and demonstrating high-yield fusion systems. However, the MOU itself does not include specific projects or funding commitments, which would require separate agreements.
Administrator Williams stated that such public-private partnerships are essential for advancing American innovation, national security, and maintaining U.S. leadership in fusion technologies. He emphasized that collaboration with American companies investing in advanced experimental infrastructure enhances capabilities supporting the nuclear deterrent and American energy leadership.
Co-founder LeChien noted that the Department of Energy and NNSA laboratories have established a strong foundation in fusion and high-energy-density science. The MOU provides a framework to explore collaboration on high-yield fusion applications supporting the protection of the United States and its allies, in partnership with federal government entities and national laboratories.
The announcement highlights the importance of strengthening domestic research infrastructure and accelerating partnerships among the federal government, national laboratories, and U.S. industry in response to global advancements in fusion and high-energy-density research by other nations, including investments in pulsed-power systems and tokamaks. These efforts aim to maintain the United States' position as a global leader in fusion science.