California is expanding its state strategy for two emerging technology sectors: fusion energy and quantum science. Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation on September 30, 2026 and announced a $30 million investment for quantum and deep-space research, public-private partnerships and startup development.
California will develop a fusion energy strategy
SB 925 directs the California Energy Commission to develop a strategic plan for fusion energy, expand opportunities for fusion research and development, support a commercial fusion strategy and address manufacturing needs.
Fusion is the process that powers stars. Unlike today’s commercial nuclear fission plants, fusion research attempts to release energy by combining atomic nuclei. Commercial fusion power is not yet broadly available, so the legislation is focused on research, planning and building an industry ecosystem rather than deploying an existing mature technology.
Advanced nuclear technologies will also be assessed
AB 2647 requires a comprehensive assessment, with public input, of the potential role of new nuclear power plants and advanced nuclear technologies in California’s effort to reach zero-carbon electricity goals.
The assessment is not itself approval to build a new plant. It is intended to give the state information about technology, reliability, infrastructure and possible future roles in the electricity system.
$30 million for quantum and deep-space research
The state also announced a new $30 million allocation to support quantum and deep-space research, public-private partnerships and a quantum startup ecosystem.
California already launched the Quantum California initiative in 2025, bringing together universities, national laboratories, private companies, investors and policymakers. The new investment is intended to expand that work.
Why quantum technology matters
Quantum computing, sensing and communications are still developing fields, but they have potential applications in medicine, materials, energy, scientific modeling, security and advanced computing. California has major research centers at universities including UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC, Stanford and Caltech, as well as federal laboratories and private research facilities.
California’s existing fusion research base
California is already home to major fusion facilities, including the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in San Diego and the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. The state has also funded a Fusion Research and Development Innovation Initiative through the California Energy Commission.
What to watch next
The important next steps are implementation: the content of the fusion strategic plan, criteria for the quantum investment, workforce programs, private investment and how new energy technologies are evaluated against cost, reliability, safety and environmental goals.
California58 will track both the statewide policy and the local economic impact around research hubs and manufacturing regions.
Official source
Governor of California – fusion and quantum announcement
California Legislative Information
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