Finland signs joint statement on closer cooperation in fusion energy research

Finland has signed a joint statement on fusion energy research with the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and South Korea. The statement, signed in London on 14 September 2026, stresses the importance of international collaboration in addressing the technical, regulatory and trade challenges related to fusion energy.

Fusion energy is an emission-free energy source that produces only a small amount of relatively short-lived radioactive waste. Although the use of fusion energy in energy production has long been an objective, its deployment has consistently been regarded as being several decades away. Fusion energy is produced by combining hydrogen isotopes at extreme temperatures to release energy, a process similar to that which powers the Sun and other stars.

The utilisation of fusion energy is entering a new phase of development, as a number of privately funded projects have recently emerged alongside the international ITER project in France. Moreover, Germany, the UK and many other countries are engaged in their own fusion research. Although the launch of the first fusion power plant is still several years away, clear progress has recently been made.

The joint statement was signed at the Global Fusion Policy Summit, convened by UK Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero Michael Shanks and US Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil. The Summit was attended by leading representatives from government, research, industry and the fusion energy sector. Participants discussed the future of fusion technology, international cooperation and the practical measures necessary to support the development and deployment of fusion energy.