The complexity and time-consuming nature of fusion research have prompted innovative thinking within the community. Private companies have devised novel ideas based on the wealth of knowledge accumulated in traditional government-funded fusion R&D, such as ITER. When the UK government announced the decommissioning of JET last year, 40 years after it began operations, researchers began to study in great detail the 17-year-long process to ensure future fusion power plants are financially viable.

Furthermore, a shifting global focus on addressing climate change and enhancing energy security has increased interest in investing in new technologies.