Italian energy company Eni said it is working toward the deployment of a commercial fusion power plant in Europe by the early 2040s, leveraging partnerships with U.S. and UK entities.
The company, which holds a stake in U.S.-based Commonwealth Fusion Systems, plans to support the construction of a fusion facility that would be built by the Massachusetts-based firm. Eni also operates a joint venture with the UK Atomic Energy Authority established in 2026, focused on providing specialist consultancy and operational services for fusion fuel cycles.
Francesca Ferrazza, who leads Eni’s magnetic fusion initiatives, told the Financial Times that nuclear fusion could become the company’s “next refinery,” emphasizing the potential for large-scale energy production. She noted that the fusion industry has seen significant shifts in technology and expectations over the past five to six years, with growing competition intensifying the race for viable commercial solutions.
Eni’s strategy centers on developing expertise in the fusion fuel cycle, including the recovery, purification, and reuse of tritium and deuterium from reactors. The company views this as a key business opportunity as it seeks to position itself at the forefront of next-generation energy infrastructure.
