In a world facing growing energy demands and an urgent need for sustainable solutions, fusion energy stands as one of the most promising technologies on the horizon. Imagine a future where clean, nearly limitless energy powers our cities, industries, and homes—without the environmental or geopolitical challenges posed by current energy sources. This future, while still years away, could soon be within our grasp, thanks to the tireless work of scientists and engineers advancing fusion technology. But, as we've learned from the deployment of nuclear fission and other energy innovations, there’s a lot more to success than just the technical breakthrough.
Enter the social component. The public's perceptions, trust, and willingness to embrace new technologies can significantly influence how (and if) they are adopted. This is particularly true for energy technologies like fusion, which may raise questions of safety, fairness, and community impact. We’ve seen this play out with fission-based nuclear power, where early public optimism gave way to hesitation, mistrust, and, in many cases, outright opposition. If fusion energy is to succeed, it must successfully address these social challenges head-on, engaging communities and stakeholders from the beginning.
To tackle this challenge, the University of Oklahoma’s Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis (IPPRA), in collaboration with scientists at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), is setting up a Socio-Technical Observatory. This initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to ensure that public opinion and concerns are understood and integrated into the development of fusion energy technologies. We will not only explore how the public views fusion but also develop methods to engage communities that may eventually host fusion energy facilities.
Fusion energy is a complex and technical topic, but the social dimensions of its success are clear. When people are unaware or misinformed about new technologies, their natural response is often skepticism. Research shows that in many parts of the world (including the US), public knowledge about fusion energy is low. For example, a recent European study found that many people in the EU had limited awareness of fusion, but generally positive attitudes once informed. However, attitudes are shaped by more than just knowledge. Trust, emotions, and individual values also play a significant role in shaping how people feel about fusion energy. In some countries, people’s views are driven more by emotional responses than by their understanding of the technology, highlighting the need for nuanced, context-specific engagement.
The same is true here in the United States. Earlier this year, IPPRA conducted a survey of U.S. adults about their knowledge and attitudes toward fusion energy. The survey showed that while public awareness of fusion was low, many people had a positive outlook once they learned more about it.
Over half of the respondents expressed support for building fusion energy facilities in the U.S. However, this level of support is only slightly higher than for traditional nuclear energy, which faces significant public opposition. The good news is that many Americans trust the experts leading fusion research, especially university scientists and national laboratories like LLNL. This trust is a crucial foundation that we can build on as the technology advances.
The creation of the Socio-Technical Observatory is our response to this social challenge. The Observatory will serve as both a research hub and a bridge between scientists and the public. By gathering data on public attitudes, feelings, and concerns, and making that data widely available, we hope to foster transparent and inclusive conversations about the future of fusion energy. But the Observatory will do more than just listen—it will also help developers and policymakers shape communication strategies that resonate with different communities. What works in one place might not work in another. Some communities may need straightforward information about the technical benefits of fusion, while others may be more concerned about safety or economic impacts. Our job is to make sure that engagement is tailored to the specific needs and concerns of each community.
Over the next few years, we will be conducting nationwide surveys and focus groups to track how public views on fusion energy evolve. This will give us insight into what people understand about fusion, what they fear, and what excites them about its potential. We'll also engage with experts in the field to identify the key risks and benefits of fusion energy and develop strategies to communicate those ideas effectively to the public. In the long run, we hope to create a transdisciplinary collaboration hub where scientists, engineers, policymakers, and the public can come together to co-create solutions for the socio-technical challenges of fusion energy.
Ultimately, the goal of our work is to ensure that fusion energy, when it arrives, has the social license to operate. This means more than just regulatory approval; it means broad-based support from the communities where fusion facilities will be located, from the public who will rely on fusion for their energy needs, and from policymakers and industry leaders who will guide its implementation. Without this social acceptance, even the most scientifically promising energy source could face significant roadblocks.
The energy landscape is at a turning point. As we face the twin challenges of climate change and increasing energy demands, fusion energy has the potential to transform how we power our world. But this transformation will only happen if we align the technical and social aspects of the technology’s development. The Socio-Technical Observatory is our step in that direction, and we’re excited to lead the way in integrating public feedback into the future of fusion energy.
We invite you to follow along with our work, stay informed about fusion energy, and—perhaps most importantly—lend your voice to this vital conversation. Together, we can ensure that the future of energy is not only innovative but inclusive.
