Senators Caballero and McNerney propose establishing a statewide network of fusion energy research hubs, positioning California to develop the nation's first commercial fusion power plant by 2040. The Fusion Research and Development Innovation Hub Program, to be administered by the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, would coordinate research facilities, academic institutions, and private sector partners to advance fusion energy technology and workforce development.
The program requires GO-Biz to designate at least two innovation hubs by early 2027, following a competitive proposal process. These hubs must incorporate existing national laboratories and scientific facilities while reflecting geographic and technological diversity across the state. Selection criteria prioritize facilities that address key research gaps, create workforce development pathways through academic partnerships, and maximize employment opportunities for local residents. The hubs would pursue various fusion approaches, including magnetic confinement and inertial confinement, while developing capabilities for energy production, processing, and delivery systems.
California currently hosts one-third of U.S. fusion energy startups and supports over 20,000 jobs in the field across national laboratories, universities, and research institutions. The bill creates a dedicated state treasury fund to provide grants to designated hubs, though implementation depends on future legislative appropriations. Hub activities would complement federal initiatives, including the Department of Energy's fusion energy strategy and recent regulatory frameworks established by the ADVANCE Act of 2023.
The proposal builds upon existing state energy planning efforts, including the requirement for the California Energy Commission to evaluate fusion energy's potential contribution to the power grid by 2027. Hub activities would support California's goal of achieving 100% renewable and zero-carbon electricity retail sales by 2045, as established in Senate Bill 100.
