Overview
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is leading an exploratory effort to evaluate the potential for a Texas-based innovation corridor focused on advancing fusion energy technologies and strengthening the domestic supply chain.
This seed project brings together stakeholders from national laboratories, universities, industry, and state organizations to assess opportunities for collaboration in fusion science, technology development, and workforce training. Through collaborative discussions, Texas institutions and industry will explore how the state could serve as a regional hub for fusion innovation, particularly in areas such as high-temperature superconducting magnet technologies, advanced modeling tools, and manufacturing capabilities.
Insight from this project will help determine whether a coordinated innovation corridor could accelerate fusion energy development while strengthening U.S. fusion leadership.
Objectives
The exploratory effort is designed to identify opportunities for building a connected innovation ecosystem in Texas. Key objectives include:
- Convene stakeholders from industry, academia, and government to discuss fusion technology priorities.
- Assess research capabilities across Texas institutions relevant to fusion energy development.
- Explore opportunities for shared research infrastructure, modeling tools, and testing capabilities.
- Identify workforce development pathways to support future fusion science, engineering and manufacturing activities.
Approach
The project focuses on stakeholder engagement and capability assessment to determine the potential for a regional fusion collaboration.
Activities include hosting meetings and workshops with universities, industry partners, and government stakeholders; facilitating technical discussions related to fusion energy and superconducting magnet technologies; and exploring how existing facilities and modeling tools could support future fusion research and development activities.
These activities will help clarify technical priorities, partnership opportunities, and potential roles for Texas institutions and companies in advancing fusion technologies.
Partners
The exploratory effort involves collaboration among organizations with expertise in fusion science, advanced manufacturing, and engineering simulation.
Participants include:
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Tokamak Energy
- Texas A&M University
- University of Houston
- MetOx
- Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (University of Texas at Arlington)
- National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
- ANSYS
Impact
This seed project represents an early step toward evaluating how a coordinated innovation corridor in Texas could support the advancement of fusion energy technologies.
By connecting fusion companies, universities and advanced manufacturing partners, the effort will help identify pathways to accelerate technology development, strengthen domestic supply chains, and contribute to the long-term growth of fusion energy in the United States.
Interested in learning more? Please reach out to Robert Duckworth during CERA Week or submit your questions and requests for information on this submission form for follow-up after the conference.