Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear fusion is the process by which two or more light atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus. This clean process releases large amounts of energy and is the same reaction that powers the sun and other stars.
Fusion has long been considered the ultimate sustainable energy source with zero carbon emissions, abundant fuel derived from seawater, and no high-level radioactive waste. Due to its low-risk safety profile, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) unanimously agreed in 2023 to license fusion machines under the byproduct materials regulatory framework.
Tennessee became the first state in the nation to issue its own regulatory framework for fusion machines June 9, 2026.