Core Insights - The core viewpoint emphasizes that nuclear fusion is a key technology for the next generation of civilization, particularly in the context of rising energy demands driven by artificial intelligence [1][3]. Industry Developments - The rise of artificial intelligence is significantly increasing global energy consumption, and nuclear fusion is seen as a solution to meet the energy needs of future AI technologies [3]. - Nuclear fusion has a high energy density, with 1 gram of fusion fuel releasing energy equivalent to 8 tons of oil [3]. - Since 2020, there has been a notable increase in capital investment in nuclear fusion, with major tech companies like Google and OpenAI entering the field [3][4]. Technological Pathways - The mainstream technologies pursuing controllable nuclear fusion are laser inertial confinement and magnetic confinement, both of which have high engineering requirements and associated costs [4]. - A proposed hybrid approach called "magnetic inertial confinement" aims to reduce costs and construction time while enhancing iteration efficiency, but it presents intellectual challenges that require a deep understanding of the underlying physics [4]. - The potential for AI to create self-learning systems that can explore and design new fusion reactors is highlighted as a breakthrough opportunity [4]. Market Trends - According to a report from the Fusion Industry Association, global investments in commercial nuclear fusion companies reached $7.1 billion, an increase of $900 million year-on-year, with 89% of surveyed companies optimistic about achieving grid-connected power by the late 2030s [4]. - China's nuclear fusion sector is rapidly advancing, with various forms of fusion research emerging and significant breakthroughs being made by research institutes, universities, and enterprises [5]. Future Outlook - The combination of advancements in artificial intelligence and nuclear fusion is seen as a potential catalyst for ushering in a new era of energy production, transitioning from terrestrial energy sources to cosmic energy forms [5].