ISTANBUL

The European Union said Thursday it will invest €330 million (about $380 million) to accelerate fusion energy development and support nuclear technologies and skills.

The European Commission said the funding is part of its 2026-2027 Euratom Research and Training Program, adopted to advance nuclear innovation.

Of the total, €222 million ($254 million) will be allocated to fusion energy research aimed at moving the technology from laboratories to the power grid.

“Fusion holds the potential to revolutionise Europe’s energy landscape,” the Commission said. “The EU aims to connect the first commercial fusion power plant to the grid, providing clean, affordable, and safe energy to European citizens and businesses.”

Another €108 million ($123 million) will fund nuclear fission research, focusing on the safe management of radioactive waste, radiation protection and innovation in nuclear materials.

The program will also support research on the long-term safety of existing nuclear power plants, small modular reactors and advanced reactor technologies, as well as nuclear fuels.

In addition, funding will be directed toward nuclear medicine, including efforts to strengthen the EU’s capacity to supply isotopes for new medical therapies, the Commission said.