Germany is preparing funding for fusion projects under the European IPCEI

August 25, 2026

Source: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space

The federal government intends to advance the development of an industrial fusion economy in Germany.

A funding guideline issued by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) and published in the Federal Gazette on August 24, 2026, lays the groundwork for a national call for expressions of interest as part of the planned European IPCEI INT for innovative nuclear technologies.

The focus is on highly innovative research, development, and innovation projects across the entire fusion value chain. Funding will be provided, among other things, for technologies related to fusion reactors, fuel and tritium cycles, high-temperature superconductivity, tokamak and stellarator systems, plasma heating, diagnostics, digitalization, and AI, as well as new materials and manufacturing processes.

The goal is to increase the technology readiness of key components, close development and qualification gaps, and build a high-performing European fusion ecosystem. In particular, companies—including small and medium-sized enterprises—are to be involved at an early stage in the development of future fusion power plants.

Companies can submit project proposals

Eligible applicants are commercial enterprises with a place of business or branch office in Germany. Requirements include, among other things, a high degree of innovation, a significant technological and economic risk, and a contribution to strategic European value chains. The projects must go beyond the current global state of the art and fit into the planned European IPCEI INT.

The process is structured in three stages. In the first phase, companies can submit complete project outlines via the “easy-Online” funding portal by October 15, 2026. The outlines must detail, among other things, the technical concept, project planning, the European contribution, and the project’s financing and commercialization.

Following a national preselection process, a European matchmaking initiative with project partners from other EU member states is planned to begin in early 2027. Subsequently, selected projects will be prepared for the European state aid procedure. Funding is subject to the availability of budgetary resources and approval under state aid law by the European Commission.

With this guideline, Germany aims to strengthen its technological and industrial sovereignty while accelerating the transfer of research results into industrial applications. The funding guideline is valid until the end of 2032.

Further information is available on the website of the Federal Gazette