On 24 June 2026, Renexia signed a framework agreement with Canada’s General Fusion, a global leader in the development of fusion energy technology. A concrete step that brings cutting-edge energy technology to Italy, aligned with a vision centred on innovation, decarbonisation, and the country’s energy independence.

A framework agreement to develop fusion in Italy

The agreement with General Fusion establishes a structured collaboration based on progressive objectives, aimed at fostering the commercial development of fusion technology in Italy through the potential construction of one or more plants.

The agreement encompasses several phases: from site assessment and selection to project development, from the definition of commercial agreements to permitting activities, through to plant construction. The long-term goal is to support the decarbonisation of the national energy system and security of supply. Preliminary study and feasibility activities may begin immediately, with a first operational phase expected as early as 2026, subject to the finalisation of implementing agreements.

The initiative is part of the broader path undertaken by Italy to reassess the role of nuclear energy in the national energy mix, including through legislative and policy initiatives aimed at fostering the development of innovative, safe technologies.

Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology

At the heart of the collaboration lies Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology, one of the most promising approaches to making nuclear fusion a sustainable and competitive energy source. General Fusion has been developing this technology for over twenty years through prototypes and experimental platforms and currently operates Lawson Machine 26 (LM26), the world’s first demonstration system based on this approach. Progress in the LM26 programme represents a decisive milestone towards the realisation of the first commercial plant, expected around 2035. It is a source designed for baseload plants, capable of producing energy continuously and working in synergy with other energy transition technologies. As a member of General Fusion’s Market Development Advisory Committee (MDAC), Renexia continues to champion innovation pathways capable of delivering long-term impact and building the energy infrastructure of the future.

Fusion in the energy mix of the future

For Renexia, fusion is not an alternative to renewables but a complementary piece of a balanced energy mix. From offshore wind — essential today for large-scale clean production — to frontier technologies such as fusion: the goal is to build a more sustainable, resilient, and secure energy system. Fusion represents the key to increasing Italy’s energy independence from sources originating in third countries that remain subject to volatility and geopolitical leverage. A clean, continuous, safe source — produced directly within our country.

Renexia’s industrial vision

Renexia’s commitment to the project goes beyond the technological dimension and aims to create a supply chain and an industrial fabric capable of generating employment and supply stability.

“With this agreement, we strengthen a multi-year collaboration and take a concrete step towards introducing a frontier energy technology in Italy. Fusion represents an extraordinary opportunity to round out the energy mix of the future with a clean, safe, and potentially competitive source. Offshore wind is essential today. Fusion is essential for tomorrow. We are working to help build an energy-independent Italy with the industrial depth to create employment and stability of supply.”
Riccardo Toto, Managing Director of Renexia

With this agreement, Renexia is not merely looking at the future of energy: it is beginning to build it, here, driven by the conviction that a country’s independence also depends on its ability to produce tomorrow’s energy itself.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the agreement between Renexia and General Fusion?

It is a framework agreement establishing a structured collaboration to promote the commercial development of nuclear fusion technology in Italy, through the potential construction of one or more plants. The agreement covers all phases of the process: from site selection to project development, through to permitting activities and construction.

What is nuclear fusion and why is it considered the energy of the future?

Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the stars and aims to replicate, in a controlled manner, the production of large amounts of energy. It is considered a particularly promising source because it is clean, continuous, and safe, capable of meeting the growing demand for electricity without the critical issues typical of other energy sources.

What is Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) technology?

Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) is the approach developed by General Fusion, considered one of the most promising for making fusion a sustainable and competitive energy source. It is currently being demonstrated through Lawson Machine 26 (LM26), the world’s first demonstration system based on this technology.

When will the first fusion plant become operational?

General Fusion has indicated 2035 as the horizon for the first commercial plant. In Italy, preliminary study and feasibility activities may begin immediately, with a first operational phase expected as early as 2026, subject to the finalisation of implementing agreements.

Will fusion replace renewable energy sources?

No. For Renexia, fusion is a complementary piece of a balanced energy mix, not an alternative to renewables. Offshore wind remains essential today for large-scale clean production, while fusion is a baseload technology designed for tomorrow, capable of working in synergy with other energy transition sources.

What is Renexia’s role in the project?

Renexia contributes its expertise, project management capabilities, and dialogue with local communities and institutions. It is also a member of General Fusion’s Market Development Advisory Committee (MDAC). The goal is to support Italy’s energy independence and rebuild an industrial supply chain capable of generating employment and stability of supply.