Germany's Energy Future: Fusion Reactors and Solar Power by 2030s
German Research Minister Dorothee Bär has outlined her vision for the country’s future energy supply. She called for faster progress in turning scientific research into practical, market-ready solutions. At the same time, she acknowledged the challenges ahead in balancing innovation with immediate needs. Speaking on energy options, Bär stressed that no technology should be ruled out entirely. However, she provisionally dismissed small modular reactors (SMRs) as a near-term fix. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research is currently not funding work on these so-called mini nuclear reactors.
The minister expressed optimism about other energy breakthroughs. She predicted that Germany could build its first fusion reactor within the next decade. By the 2030s, she also expects large-scale solar energy production on Earth to become a reality. Bär pushed for stronger ties between science and industry. She argued that research must focus more on real-world applications and economic benefits. Transferring knowledge into practical use, she said, should be a top priority.
Bär’s comments highlight a shift toward faster commercialisation of energy research. While SMRs remain off the table for now, fusion and solar power are seen as key areas for development. The government’s focus is on ensuring that scientific work leads to tangible results for the economy and energy sector.
