Global Partnerships remain Central to Fusion’s Research and Commercialisation
By Colin Baus, Head of Kyoto Fusioneering UK, UK Director, and Vice President of Research and Commercialisation
As 2026 starts to take shape, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the progress Kyoto Fusioneering made throughout 2025, and to consider how this momentum positions our UK activities for the year ahead.
The past year was a remarkable one for Kyoto Fusioneering as we worked to turn fusion energy from an aspiration to a near-term reality throughout our global operations. The progress achieved during 2025 provides a strong foundation as we move into 2026, with the UK expected to play an increasingly important role in delivery, engineering and long-term collaboration within the global fusion ecosystem.
1. Developing the Technology Portfolio
Over the past year, Kyoto Fusioneering substantially enhanced its technology portfolio by making numerous breakthroughs across our two flagship projects UNITY-1 and UNITY-2 focused on delivering integrated fusion plant engineering for fusion blanket, fuel and thermal cycle systems.
In Japan, UNITY-1 will enter full operation early this year, providing a key platform for experimental validation of fusion plant components and systems. Meanwhile, in Canada, construction of UNITY-2 has commenced, with preparations underway for commissioning and initial operations later in 2026.
Our progress with gyrotrons accelerated with next-gen gyrotrons deployed successfully to several global partners including the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in the U.S and Tokamak Energy in the UK. New models are under testing in Japan and there will be further updates to come in 2026.
Shortly after publishing the conceptual design this year, we were able to begin construction of the UNITY-2 facility and expect it to become fully operational in the early part of this year.
Over the past 12 months we continued to build capacity and expertise in Japan, the UK, the US, Europe and Canada based on a shared belief in fusion energy’s potential to deliver clean, secure energy.
None of this would have been possible without our global team of fusion experts across Japan, UK, US, Europe and Canada all of whom share Kyoto Fusioneering’s vision and promise to deliver “Sustainability through Fusion Technology”. A special thanks goes to our UK team, who led key initiatives on blanket and fuel cycle development.
2. Building and Deepening Global Relationships
I strongly believe scientific collaboration is key to advancing fusion technology. With this in mind, in 2025, KF sponsored and facilitated multiple fusion technology-related events across the globe.
In Japan, we hosted FusionXInvest APAC to enhance fusion knowledge among global professionals and worked with Japanese government leaders and agencies to support the country’s fusion energy strategy. We welcomed Minister Ryosei Akazawa to our Tokyo office who at the time served as Minister for Economic Revitalisation and Head of the U.S.–Japan Trade Delegation, and now serves as Minister of the Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).
Here in the UK, we were delighted to actively engage in headline events such as the Economist’s FusionFest, and Fusion25 organised by UKAEA while deepening our UK partnerships including collaboration with the Fusion Cluster, Fusion Industry Taskforce and Fusion Industry Association – who are shaping the industry’s dialogue with government on strategy. Our collaboration across industry platforms and events will continue into 2026.
3. A Breakthrough Year for Japan-UK Fusion Collaboration
A special highlight for me this past year was the Japan-UK Fusion Symposium hosted by the Embassy of Japan in London in early March. Facilitated by J-Fusion (Japan Fusion Energy Council) in collaboration with Kyoto Fusioneering, the event brought together stakeholders from the Japanese and British governments, UKAEA, Japanese and British academia and industry, and key players from the emerging fusion supply chain. The presence of the UK’s then Fusion Minister Kerry McCarthy was reflective of the strong interest from the British Government to collaborate with their Japanese counterparts.
In June it was announced by the British and Japanese governments that a Memorandum of Cooperation had been signed to enhance fusion cooperation. This landmark agreement augurs well for exchanges of technology as well as the transfer of talent and skills between the two countries. I see this as a big win for all of us in the clean energy space.
4. Move to Culham – the heart of UK fusion
In late spring, our UK office relocated to the Culham Science Campus – the heart of the UK’s fusion sector – to bring us closer to the organisations, particularly UKAEA, that are setting the direction for fusion in the UK. The Culham Campus has played a leading role in global fusion development, and we appreciate UKAEA’s warm welcome as we continue our integration within the ecosystem.
Kyoto Fusioneering is continuing to deepen collaboration with the UK fusion community through engineering and manufacturing activities, aligned with our broader design engineering and materials development initiatives.
Our commitment to collaborate with our UK partners is reflected in our growing team as we welcomed new talent in key areas such as mechanical engineering, project management and remote handling.
5. UK Fusion – the Year Ahead
2025 was particularly significant for me as I moved from Japan to the UK taking on the role of Head of the UK and UK Director.
The UK’s ambitious fusion programme has been supported by £2.5bn committed over five years, which signals the seriousness of the Government to maintain the country’s position as a leader in global fusion.
2026 will see a new UK Fusion Strategy that underlines the scale of the country’s ambitious programme and something which Kyoto Fusioneering endorses fully given its influence in shaping other countries’ thinking around fusion. A UK Fusion Prospectus will contribute to highlighting the country’s broad offer of facilities, skills and eco-system as we develop this vital technology.
With Kyoto Fusioneering scaling rapidly – both in size and expertise – and with new breakthroughs achieved by our global teams and collaborations, it is an exciting time for fusion in Europe. I am excited to be here.
2026 is shaping up to be an pivotal year for global fusion with higher interest than ever in the sector. Kyoto Fusioneering will continue to work with its partners, clients, and researchers to realise the full potential of fusion’s research and commercialisation.
I look forward to updating you regularly about our progress throughout 2026.
