Highlights statewide investments in education and infrastructure, new legislation to spur industry expansion.
BOSTON (2/21/2024) — Earlier today, at the FusionX Invest energy industry conference hosted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Senator Susan Moran took the stage to advocate for the advancement of fusion energy technology as the cornerstone of Massachusetts' transition towards a sustainable future. With a firm focus on leveraging the state's pioneering spirit and academic prowess, Senator Moran outlined a comprehensive vision for propelling Massachusetts to the forefront of the growing industry with the introduction of two pieces of legislation.
In her address to industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers, Senator Moran highlighted fusion energy as the most promising alternative to fossil fuels, underscoring its potential to provide abundant, clean, and sustainable energy for generations to come. Recognizing the urgent need to address climate change, she touted the state’s commitment to fostering the growth of infrastructure that will support the Commonwealth’s net-zero emissions goals.
“We know that if tomorrow we built every planned wind farm and dotted every rooftop from Martha’s Vineyard to Los Angeles with solar panels, we would still fall short of our clean energy needs,” Senator Moran said. “I truly believe that fusion is the missing piece to our carbon emissions puzzle. Massachusetts has made a point to position itself to successfully invest in the development of innovative technologies that further us towards fossil fuel independence.”
Senator Moran emphasized the state's inherent strengths in research, development, and entrepreneurship. Building upon Massachusetts' renowned reputation as a hub for innovation and education, she proposed a plan to catalyze interest from the industry in the Bay State, introducing two pieces of legislation aimed at driving progress in the field:
1. SD.2985, the FIRST Act, An Act relative to Fusion Investment and Research for Sustainable Technology: Creates several tax incentives for fusion energy companies within Massachusetts, modeled off the state’s Life Sciences Investment Program.
o The bill would also create a Fusion Energy Council to oversee the tax incentives, as well as a scholarship program for graduate students or postdoctoral researchers studying fusion.
o Additionally, the bill would direct the Clean Energy Center and the Fusion Energy Council to identify a public institution of higher education to establish a fusion energy research center.
2. S.2157, An Act repurposing the commonwealth's power plants to a clean energy future: would direct the Dept. Of Public Utilities and Dept. Of Energy and Energy Resources to examine potential uses for repurposing decommissioned and inactive power plants, of all types for next generation energy needs such as fusion energy, and battery storage.
“Massachusetts is poised to lead the way in fusion energy production. With world-class institutions like MIT leading the charge, we can draw upon the state's robust ecosystem of talent, resources, and infrastructure,” Moran said.
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