US lab to test nuclear fusion reactor components for extreme environments under new deal

Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Rutherford Energy Ventures are launching a two-phase plan under FULCRA to build shared fusion testing infrastructure.

The first phase will assess lab capabilities and gather industry input; the second will define the facility design, funding model, and operating plan.

A pilot site at Oak Ridge will help test plasma-facing materials, fuel breeding blankets, and internal sensors under extreme heat, magnetic pressure, and neutron radiation.

The effort aims to create the U.S. testing capability fusion power still needs before commercial reactors can be built.