Insider Brief
- The New Jersey Senate passed a bipartisan bill, S-364, classifying fusion energy as a Class I renewable and making it eligible for funding from the state’s Clean Energy Fund.
- Fusion energy, which powers stars, has the potential to provide a limitless, zero-carbon energy source without long-lived radioactive waste, unlike traditional nuclear fission.
- If approved by the Assembly, the legislation could position New Jersey as a hub for fusion research and development, unlocking investment and accelerating commercialization.
The New Jersey Senate has passed bipartisan legislation that would allow fusion energy projects to receive funding from the state’s Clean Energy Fund, the Morris County Focus reports. Sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-26), the bill, S-364, classifies fusion energy as a Class I renewable, making it eligible for financial assistance.
“Fusion energy is rapidly transitioning from scientific theory to real-world application,” said Senator Pennacchio. “This revolutionary energy source has the potential to provide a zero-carbon sustainable future, and this bill will help direct critical funds for its research and development. By classifying fusion energy as a Class I renewable and unlocking investment, New Jersey can position itself as a global leader in fusion technology, helping restore America’s energy dominance once again.”
Fusion energy, the process that powers stars, has long been considered a potential source of limitless clean energy. Unlike traditional nuclear fission, fusion does not produce long-lived radioactive waste and could provide a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
How Fusion Works
Fusion occurs when atomic nuclei, typically isotopes of hydrogen like deuterium and tritium, collide at extremely high temperatures and pressures, overcoming their natural repulsion to merge into a heavier nucleus. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy, as a small portion of the mass is converted into energy according to Einstein’s equation, E=mc².
On Earth, scientists attempt to replicate these conditions using powerful magnetic fields (magnetic confinement) or intense laser pulses (inertial confinement) to sustain the high-energy plasma needed for fusion reactions.
Senator Pennacchio has been a vocal proponent of fusion research, introducing multiple legislative initiatives to position New Jersey as a leader in the field. In 2024, the Senate Economic Growth Committee advanced another of his bills, S-366, aimed at extending economic incentives to fusion energy and technology companies.
With the latest legislation, fusion projects would gain access to the same funding opportunities as solar and wind energy, potentially accelerating investment in the sector. The bill now moves to the Assembly for further consideration.
