California Signs Two Bills to Reshape Advanced Nuclear Fission and Fusion Energy Strategy

California Governor Gavin·Newsom recently signed two bills aimed at comprehensively advancing the state's nuclear energy development by reassessing advanced nuclear fission technology and establishing a strategic plan for nuclear fusion. In the field of nuclear fission, Assembly Bill 2647 (A.B. 2647) requires the California Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission (CEC) to conduct a formal assessment of advanced nuclear energy technologies by January 1, 2028. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Lisa·Calderon, directs the CEC to comprehensively consider factors such as cost, grid reliability, fuel cycle, and public health in determining whether new nuclear power plants can help California achieve its 2045 zero-carbon electricity goal. Calderon stated that given current grid demands, California needs to reassess the role of nuclear energy in ensuring a stable and clean electricity supply based on modern technology.

In the field of nuclear fusion, Senate Bill 925 (S.B. 925) requires the CEC to develop and submit a strategic plan for fusion energy development in California by December 31, 2029. The bill, introduced by State Senator Jerry·McNerney, aims to expand research, development, and commercialization of fusion technology and to establish a corresponding regulatory framework. The bill expands the certification scope of the “Environmental Leadership Development Project” to include the manufacturing and assembly of specialized components essential to fusion energy, but explicitly does not mandate the procurement of fusion power. McNerney noted that fusion energy has the potential to provide nearly limitless clean energy, and that the bill will lay the foundation for California to maintain its leadership in fusion technology in the coming decades.

California also plays a key role in national nuclear fusion policy. U.S. House Representatives Zoe·Lofgren and Jay·Obernolte recently introduced a federal bill aimed at implementing bipartisan report recommendations on scaling up fusion energy, planning to provide $10 billion in funding for fusion research, facility construction, and milestone programs to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy in the United States.