Germany plans 1 gigawatt nuclear fusion facility at famous Biblis reactor site
Fusion energy start-up Focused Energy has signed an agreement with German energy giant RWE to build a 1GW fusion power plant. The facility will be constructed at the former Biblis nuclear power plant site in Hesse, Germany, according to reports.
Fusion is considered a potential game-changer for clean energy, offering nearly limitless power without harmful emissions. It replicates the Sun’s energy process by fusing two hydrogen isotopes at extremely high temperatures.
Scientists and companies worldwide are racing to commercialize fusion, but large-scale adoption remains a distant goal due to the massive infrastructure required.
The agreement aims to establish a fusion pilot plant by 2035. This marks a major step in Germany’s energy transition, as the country has moved away from nuclear power. RWE has been dismantling the Biblis nuclear plant since 2017 after it was permanently shut down in 2011 following Germany’s decision to phase out nuclear energy.
Focused energy’s unique approach to fusion
Focused Energy is a spin-off from the Technical University of Darmstadt and National Energetics, with offices in San Francisco and Darmstadt. The company is working on commercial-scale fusion energy using a direct-drive laser inertial fusion method.
This approach involves using a focused proton beam to ignite tiny deuterium/tritium fuel spheres, triggering fusion reactions. The company claims that its technique is the first to demonstrate the possibility of net-positive fusion power. However, significant technical challenges remain before the technology becomes commercially viable.
Focused Energy’s CEO Scott Mercer described the deal with RWE as a key step in establishing a supply chain for global fusion energy deployment. He told Reuters, “This would be the beginning and the learning lesson towards building a supply chain for what would eventually be global deployment.”
Germany’s interest in fusion energy has increased significantly. Mercer pointed out that the German government’s commitment to fusion is “two orders of magnitude higher than it has been in the US.” The fusion pilot plant will rely on advanced solid-state laser technology to generate energy.
Germany’s growing fusion ambitions
A spokesperson from RWE emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing fusion energy in Germany.
“We want to contribute by providing our infrastructure at the Biblis site and our experience as an operator of nuclear facilities to advance fusion technology in Germany,” the spokesperson told Reuters.
The push for fusion energy is gaining momentum worldwide. In the UK, the government has pledged £410 million to accelerate fusion energy development, with the goal of building a prototype plant by 2040.
Meanwhile, France has made a breakthrough in high-confinement plasma operations. In February 2025, French scientists sustained plasma confinement for 1,337 seconds, surpassing China’s previous record of 1,066 seconds.
As nations compete to harness fusion’s potential, Germany’s latest project could be a milestone in proving the feasibility of large-scale fusion energy. If successful, it may help shape the future of global energy production.