Nonproliferation Considerations and R&D Efforts for Fusion Energy Systems

Nonproliferation efforts for fusion energy systems must address both emerging policy challenges and complex technical requirements that challenge traditional nuclear energy facility norms. From a policy perspective, fusion occupies a gray area in existing domestic and international nuclear regulatory frameworks, which were largely designed around fission reactors and fissile materials. This creates challenges in defining safeguard obligations, reporting thresholds, and regulatory authority for materials of interest, such as tritium and activated components. From a technical perspective, effective MC&A is complicated by the dynamic nature of fusion fuel cycles, including continuous tritium breeding, recycling, and losses in plasma-facing materials, which make precise measurement and real-time accounting difficult. Developing robust nonproliferation regimes for fusion therefore requires parallel acceptance or adaptation of policy, coupled with advancements in instrumentation and sensor technologies that enable efficient monitoring and verification activities without impeding commercial deployment of these facilities. This panel will convene experts from the policy, regulatory, and technical communities to discuss nonproliferation challenges with fusion energy systems and opportunities for coordination on this rapidly evolving technology.

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