可控核聚变火了，上百家投资机构抢份额

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the increasing interest and investment in controlled nuclear fusion, often referred to as the "artificial sun," highlighting its potential as a future energy source and the shift in investor sentiment towards this sector [3][4][19]. Investment Trends - The controlled nuclear fusion sector is experiencing a surge in attention from investors, with significant funding rounds being completed, such as the nearly 100 million yuan first round financing for Andong Fusion [3][14]. - There are at least two other startups in the controlled nuclear fusion space expected to complete new rounds of financing by 2025, indicating a growing trend in investment [14]. Historical Context - The concept of nuclear fusion has a long history, dating back to the 1940s, with significant milestones such as the first hydrogen bomb explosion marking humanity's initial achievement in nuclear fusion [6]. - The development of controlled nuclear fusion has faced challenges, with the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project experiencing delays and budget overruns [7]. Technological Advances - Recent technological advancements, including breakthroughs in materials and structures, have made the realization of controlled nuclear fusion more feasible [7][8]. - The article notes that various technical approaches, such as magnetic confinement and inertial confinement, are being explored, with magnetic confinement currently being the mainstream method [7]. Market Dynamics - The demand for clean energy is driving increased investment in controlled nuclear fusion, with the global fusion industry seeing a dramatic rise in investment from 1.9 billion USD in 2021 to 9.7 billion USD in recent years [18]. - The number of nuclear fusion companies has increased by 143% since 2021, reflecting a growing interest in this sector [18]. Policy Support - Government policies in countries like China and the U.S. are increasingly supporting the development of nuclear fusion, with the recent inclusion of "fusion" in Chinese law signaling significant opportunities for the sector [17]. - Cities such as Shanghai and Hefei are actively promoting policies to accelerate the development of controlled nuclear fusion, attracting both national teams and startups [17]. Future Outlook - The consensus among commercial fusion companies is that grid-connected power generation could be achieved before 2040, with many expecting to reach this milestone between 2030 and 2035 [20]. - The article suggests that the combination of entrepreneurial enthusiasm and investment momentum is significantly accelerating the commercialization of controlled nuclear fusion [20].