California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed two state bills into law on Sept. 30 that focus on exploring the viability of advanced nuclear fission and fusion there.
The first bill, Assembly Bill 2647, introduced by California Assembly member Lisa Calderon (D), is aimed towards conducting a study on the potential role of advanced reactors in meeting the state’s clean energy goals. The second one, Senate Bill 925, introduced by California State Senator Jerry McNerney (D), focuses on developing a commercial fusion strategy in the state.
Both bills have deadlines for when their respective studies and strategies will be completed. In Assembly Bill 2647, the California Energy Commission is required to provide an assessment of the advanced nuclear energy by Jan. 1, 2028. This assessment would include the evaluation of advanced reactor technologies, nuclear fuel storage and handling and environmental impacts.
Calderon previously sought to repeal California’s longstanding nuclear moratorium by exempting advanced reactors from the ban. However, the previous bill would have faced an uphill battle due to the state’s concern with nuclear waste management. Instead, the bill looks to be the stepping stone to reconsider building new nuclear power plants in the state, Calderon said.
As for Senate Bill 925, the California Energy Commission will also be tasked with developing a strategic strategy for the potential deployment of fusion technologies by Dec. 31, 2028. California has a state goal of generating 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045.
For fusion energy, the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory became the first lab to achieve fusion ignition in December 2022. Since then, California has taken an interest in implementing fusion into energy fusion. Last year, the California Energy Commission launched the Fusion Research and Development Innovation initiative to advance efforts to commercialize fusion energy.
“Today, we continue our work to grow quantum and fusion technologies in our state — creating a stronger framework and workforce to the infrastructure needed to support it,” Newsom said in a Sept. 30 press release. “Through cutting-edge research and continued investments, we are moving past what is possible, and instead shaping what comes next.”