Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the rapid advancements in nuclear fusion projects both domestically and internationally, highlighting significant investments and technological breakthroughs that could lead to commercial viability in the near future [2][6][21]. Group 1: Recent Developments in Domestic Fusion Projects - The "BEST" project has commenced assembly ahead of schedule, with the goal of completing construction by 2027 [4]. - Various tenders related to the "BEST" and "Xinghuo No. 1" projects have been launched, indicating a robust pipeline of activities and investments [4][6]. - The "Chinese Circulation No. 3" project achieved a significant milestone with a fusion triple product reaching 10^20, marking a critical advancement in plasma performance [4]. Group 2: Investment and Financing Trends - TAE Technologies, a leading U.S. fusion company, raised over $150 million in its latest funding round, bringing its total funding to $1.35 billion, with participation from major investors like Chevron and Google [6]. - Japan announced an additional investment of 10 billion yen (approximately $69 million) into its three major fusion research institutions, aiming for commercialization in the 2030s [6]. - The UK government plans to invest £2.5 billion over the next five years to advance its fusion energy initiatives, including the STEP project [6]. Group 3: Technological Innovations Driving Progress - Innovative magnetic field structures, such as spherical tokamaks, are expected to enhance confinement performance and increase fusion power output in smaller volumes [8]. - The application of high-temperature superconductors is anticipated to significantly improve fusion output power by allowing for higher current densities and stronger magnetic fields [12][14]. - The integration of AI and supercomputing technologies is facilitating real-time predictions and optimizations in plasma behavior, thereby accelerating research and development processes [16]. Group 4: Global Competition and Market Dynamics - The U.S. and China are the largest investors in nuclear fusion, with China's investment growth outpacing that of the U.S. in recent years [18][23]. - As of 2024, the U.S. has invested $5.63 billion in fusion, while China has invested $2.49 billion, indicating a competitive landscape [23]. - The article outlines the potential for fusion energy to meet global energy demands sustainably, with significant advantages over traditional energy sources [21][24]. Group 5: Future Outlook and Application Scenarios - The most optimistic projections suggest that the first fusion power plant could connect to the grid between 2025 and 2030, while a more conservative estimate places this timeline between 2031 and 2035 [48]. - The potential applications of nuclear fusion include electricity generation, industrial heating, and propulsion for spacecraft, with key developments expected around 2030 [53][55]. - The article highlights a "three-step" strategy for China's fusion energy application, progressing from experimental validation to commercial demonstration [42].

Investment Rating - The report indicates a positive outlook on the nuclear fusion industry, highlighting significant advancements and investment opportunities in the sector. Core Insights - The nuclear fusion industry is experiencing accelerated development, with both domestic and international projects making substantial progress. The commercialization of fusion energy is anticipated in the 2030s, with various application scenarios emerging. The report emphasizes the importance of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy source to meet global energy demands and facilitate the energy transition [4][18][22]. Summary by Sections 1. Current Focus on Nuclear Fusion - The report discusses the urgency of focusing on nuclear fusion due to its potential to provide a sustainable energy solution amidst global energy challenges [3]. 2. Domestic and International Progress in Nuclear Fusion - Domestic projects are led by research institutions, with commercial companies following suit. Internationally, the U.S. leads in the number of companies and diverse technologies, with expectations for commercial fusion energy by 2028 [4][28]. - Recent domestic advancements include the initiation of the BEST project and various tendering activities for related components, indicating a robust pipeline of development [7][10]. 3. Future Outlook for the Industry - The report forecasts that the timeline for commercial fusion power generation will likely fall within the 2030s, with diverse application scenarios and potential supply-side constraints [4][62]. - The report highlights the role of technological innovations, such as AI and advanced materials, in enhancing fusion output power beyond expectations [12][17]. 4. Investment Opportunities in the Fusion Sector - The report outlines investment opportunities within the nuclear fusion manufacturing chain, emphasizing the importance of technological breakthroughs and the competitive landscape of global fusion initiatives [4][10][19]. - Significant investments are noted, including TAE Technologies' $150 million funding round and Japan's additional ¥10 billion investment in fusion research [10][21]. 5. Key Players in the Nuclear Fusion Industry - The report identifies key players in the domestic nuclear fusion landscape, including various research institutions and companies focused on commercialization, such as 聚变新能 (Fusion New Energy) and 先觉聚能 (Xianjue Fusion) [29][34][60]. - Internationally, notable companies include CFS, Helion, and Tokamak Energy, each with distinct projects and technological approaches [60]. 6. Technological Innovations Driving Progress - Innovations in magnetic field structures and high-temperature superconductors are highlighted as critical factors that could enhance fusion power output and efficiency [13][16]. - The application of AI and supercomputing in fusion research is expected to significantly reduce trial-and-error phases, accelerating development timelines [17]. 7. Global Competition and Energy Transition - The report emphasizes the global race in nuclear fusion investment, with the U.S. and China as the leading countries. It underscores the role of fusion energy in achieving long-term climate goals and transitioning to low-carbon energy sources [18][19][24].