Fusion energy skeptics consistently scoff at the notion that the technology required to create unlimited pollution-free power by superheating hydrogen atoms in a pressurized containment vessel is always "ten years away."
There is no question that the requirements to create a sustained fusion reaction are daunting – and expensive. Yet the nation that solves the challenge will have access to infinite power that will allow it to dominate the globe, and apply it cleanly and limitlessly to literally everything and anything that requires electricity.
The fusion skeptics are not only short-sighted but may also be absent an appreciation of how successful, strategic investments are made. Those who appreciate the dynamics of capitalism simply ask, "Where is the smart money going?"
Consider the names of those who have put their money into fusion energy research companies.
Jeff Bezos of Amazon has invested in General Fusion through Bezos Expeditions. Bill Gates of Microsoft fame invests in Commonwealth Fusion Systems through Breakthrough Energy Ventures. Sam Altman, the genius behind OpenAI, is a major backer of Helion Energy. Peter Thiel of PayPal has invested in Helion Energy. The late Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft, backed TAE Technologies before his passing.
These technologically savvy multi-billionaires have been placing serious money into a technology they recognize can revolutionize the world on a par that rivals the wheel and fire.
There is another group without the mega-dollars but with the insight and appreciation of what is at risk were the United States to fail at fusion research. It is a bipartisan group of members of Congress who have formed the Congressional Fusion Caucus and the Senate Fusion Energy Caucus to support and promote fusion energy. Notable members include Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Representative Lori Trahan (D-MA), and Representative Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN).
These elected officials are finding an ally in Secretary of Energy Chris Wright, who believes the enormous resources of artificial intelligence will accelerate our ability to harness fusion power.
He told Bloomberg recently, "I believe we will know the commercial pathway to fusion during the Trump administration."
He should know. He studied nuclear fusion while attending the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California. This is not a casual issue for Wright.
America has always been about creating its own pathway to opportunity. No surprise that among our founding fathers was an outstanding scientist and entrepreneur, Benjamin Franklin, who marveled at the power of electricity. One can imagine that he too might have put his money into fusion research — aware that "smart money" is very much about recognizing smart technology and how best to put it to work to advance America.
Lawrence Kadish serves on the Board of Governors of Gatestone Institute.
