Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a pivotal role in advancing fusion energy research, potentially accelerating the timeline for achieving sustainable fusion power. In November 2025, Rob Roy, CEO of data center company Switch, stated that AI could expedite the development of commercial fusion energy by "two or three decades." He highlighted that AI-driven investment and demand from the tech and data center industry are significant catalysts for both fusion and fission power advancements. Notably, Switch has partnered with fusion startup Oklo on a power deal, signaling strong private sector support for next-generation nuclear energy technologies. axios.com
Similarly, in October 2025, Google DeepMind formed a partnership with Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a fusion energy startup based in the Boston area, to accelerate the development of fusion energy using AI. The collaboration aims to utilize Google’s open-source software to simulate plasma physics—critical to achieving nuclear fusion, which involves heating particles to around 100 million °C. CFS CEO Bob Mumgaard emphasized how AI, often criticized for its energy consumption, could contribute positively to the energy sector by enhancing energy supply solutions. axios.com
Key Takeaways
- AI is accelerating fusion energy development.
- Rob Roy suggests AI could shorten fusion energy timeline by decades.
- Google DeepMind partners with CFS to use AI in fusion research.
- AI enhances plasma physics simulations for fusion reactors.
- Private sector investments signal growing support for fusion energy.