行业观察 | 终极能源曙光显现，全球核聚变竞争提速

Core Insights - The nuclear fusion research is transitioning from the "forever 50 years" phase to a "10-20 years" window, with increasing competition among the US, China, and Europe [2][29][34] - The rapid development of artificial intelligence is driving the demand for green energy, making nuclear fusion a critical area for future technological competition [2] - Significant investments are flowing into fusion technologies, particularly in the US and China, with a notable increase in private capital involvement [4][7][30] Investment Trends - In 2025, US startup Helion Energy completed a Series F funding round of $425 million, bringing its total funding to over $1 billion and a valuation exceeding $5.4 billion [4] - As of October 2024, US fusion companies attracted over $5.6 billion in equity financing, while Chinese fusion companies secured nearly $2.5 billion, significantly outpacing other countries [4][6] - The fusion investment landscape saw a peak in 2024, with total financing nearing $3 billion, marking a resurgence since 2021 [4] Technological Advancements - China has made significant progress in fusion research, with key advancements from institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences and China National Nuclear Corporation [3][8][13] - The EAST device achieved a milestone of maintaining a temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius for 1,000 seconds, simulating conditions necessary for future fusion reactors [13] - New breakthroughs in plasma current and temperature have been reported from various Chinese fusion projects, indicating a rapid advancement towards practical fusion energy [14][15][16] Competitive Landscape - The global fusion research landscape includes 166 facilities, with the US leading with 48 operational devices, followed by Japan and China [6][7] - Private capital is increasingly funding fusion projects, with 51 out of 166 facilities receiving private investments [7] - Notable startups like Helion Energy and TAE are pursuing innovative fusion technologies, including hydrogen-boron fusion, which presents unique challenges and potential advantages [12][23][29] Future Outlook - The timeline for achieving commercial fusion energy is projected to be within the next 10-20 years, driven by technological advancements and increased investment [29][30] - The competition in fusion technology is primarily between China and developed countries like the US and Europe, with each aiming to establish leadership in this critical energy sector [34]