Nuclear fusion conference spotlights Singapore as hub for spin-offs, supply chain

Singapore's FusionX:APAC conference highlighted the city-state's potential as an innovation hub for nuclear fusion supply chain and startup launchpad, according to industry speakers. Marvel Fusion's CFO Nicolas Burkardt emphasized the city-state's precision engineering and advanced manufacturing capabilities needed for fusion companies.

Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry Tan See Leng also stated Singapore's ability to contribute talent and expertise to fusion. Fellow panellist Neil Fong, Asia head and managing director at Burda Principal Investments, noted that while the focus is on fusion, many other technologies involved in the process have immediate commercial applications, such as advanced lasers and isotopes for medical use.

Consultant Saemin Ahn from Rakuten Capital mentioned that geopolitical sensitivities could drive business for the consulting sector. Investors like Burda's Fong are warming up to the sector, citing secondary sales markets for fusion startup shares as a way to generate near-term revenue, even if fusion power itself may still be a decade or more away.

However, not all investors are making the leap, as some continue to focus on fission technologies due to the long timeline for fusion. Despite the nascent stage of fusion technology, Singapore's energy-hungry economy is exploring nuclear power, and the technology is already being considered in new market regulations.