How fusion neutrons and plasma technology enable applications beyond power generation — from medical isotope production and nuclear waste treatment to industrial heating and materials processing.
While electricity generation is the primary goal, fusion technology has applications that could arrive earlier and generate revenue before a power plant is built. Several companies are pursuing these “near-term fusion” applications as stepping stones to commercial energy.[1]
Technetium-99m (from Mo-99 decay) is used in over 40 million medical diagnostic procedures annually worldwide. Traditional production in ageing fission reactors faces supply insecurity. Fusion neutron sources can produce Mo-99 by irradiating molybdenum targets without the proliferation and waste concerns of fission reactors.[2]
Fusion reactors could provide high-temperature heat (500–1000°C) for industrial processes: hydrogen production via high-temperature electrolysis, ammonia synthesis, steel production, cement manufacturing, and chemical processing. These industrial applications represent ~25% of global CO2 emissions and are difficult to decarbonise with renewables alone.
Nuclear waste transmutation: Fusion neutrons could transmute long-lived fission waste into shorter-lived isotopes. Tritium production: For use in nuclear deterrence, scientific research, and future fusion reactors. Neutron testing: Qualifying materials for fusion and fission applications under prototypic neutron spectra.[3]