A*STAR expands fusion research collaboration with CFS

athey will focus on ARC plant development and advanced materials.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has signed a five-year research collaboration with Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) to develop technologies for commercial fusion power plants, including CFS’s ARC project.

The partnership will focus on areas such as advanced materials, precision manufacturing, and materials testing, with the aim of supporting components and systems for future fusion reactors.

It also builds on earlier joint work initiated in 2022 involving A*STAR, CFS, and ST Engineering to produce components for CFS’s SPARC demonstration machine.

A*STAR said the collaboration will support Singapore’s participation in the emerging fusion energy supply chain and strengthen local capabilities in high-value manufacturing.

Assistant Chief Executive, Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC) for A*STAR Lim Keng Hui said fusion energy is approaching commercial deployment, and the partnership will translate research capabilities into applications in real-world systems, including materials and manufacturing technologies.

He added that such collaborations could help local industry build capabilities in advanced manufacturing linked to next-generation energy systems.

CFS chief executive and co-founder Bob Mumgaard said Singapore’s capabilities in advanced manufacturing and materials engineering could support the company’s commercialisation plans for fusion energy.

The partnership is also expected to extend beyond fusion energy, with potential applications in aerospace and other advanced engineering sectors involving high-performance materials and complex operating environments.