Will a commercial fusion prototype deliver net-positive energy before 2029?

The fusion frontier and the race for net-positive output

Fusion energy has danced at the edge of feasibility for decades, a promise of nearly limitless clean power that has captivated scientists and investors alike. Recent breakthroughs in magnetic confinement, laser ignition, and private-sector engineering have renewed optimism.

A net-positive commercial prototype, however, must operate reliably—not just in a brief experimental pulse—and must demonstrate practical engineering, heat extraction, and safety protocols suitable for industrial scaling.

My prediction: a promising prototype may emerge by 2029, but reaching consistent, economically meaningful net-positive performance remains an enormous challenge unlikely to fully resolve before the deadline.