The global energy industry continues to look beyond conventional power sources as major energy companies increase their focus on emerging technologies.
Italian energy group Eni is targeting the development of a commercial nuclear fusion power plant in Europe by the early 2040s or sooner, according to a recent Reuters report citing the Financial Times. Eni views fusion energy as a potential long-term business opportunity, with the technology potentially becoming its “next refinery.”
The planned European facility would be developed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a US-based fusion technology company in which Eni is an investor. CFS is targeting its first commercial fusion plant in the United States in the early 2030s, which could create opportunities for further deployment in Europe.
Beyond power generation, Eni is also building capabilities around the fusion fuel cycle, including the management and processing of deuterium and tritium. In July 2026, Eni and the UK Atomic Energy Authority launched RH3OVA, a joint venture focused on specialist consultancy and operational services for the growing fusion industry.
The development reflects a broader shift in the energy sector, where companies are increasingly investing in technologies that could support long-term energy security, lower-carbon power generation and the evolving global energy mix.
As emerging technologies move closer to commercialisation, the industry will require professionals with the technical knowledge and adaptability to understand these changing energy systems.
SEMARAK Training continues to support professionals in developing the technical and industry knowledge required to navigate an evolving energy landscape.
Source: Reuters | Financial Times
