Eni Sees Nuclear Fusion as Its 'Next Refinery'
Eni plans to develop a commercial nuclear fusion plant in Europe by the early 2040s, partnering with US startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems.
Italian energy major Eni is positioning nuclear fusion as the successor to its traditional refining business, with plans to bring a commercial plant online in Europe by the early 2040s — or possibly sooner.
The company is backing US startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), in which Eni already holds an investment stake. CFS would lead development of the fusion facility, which Eni envisions as a cornerstone of its future energy portfolio.
Fusion, the process that powers the sun, has long been touted as a potentially limitless and clean energy source. Unlike fission, it does not produce long-lived radioactive waste, making it an attractive long-term bet for major energy firms diversifying beyond fossil fuels.
Eni's timeline places it among the more ambitious corporate efforts in the field, where technical hurdles remain significant. The company's framing of fusion as its 'next refinery' signals a strategic shift from processing hydrocarbons to generating power through advanced nuclear technology.
No further details on site selection, capacity, or investment figures were disclosed.