Fusion energy technology

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates nuclear fusion through its responsibilities under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. With increasing national and international interest in fusion energy, it is updating its regulatory framework to ensure that it has the appropriate tools to protect the environment and the health and safety of people.

What is fusion energy?

Nuclear fusion is the process by which 2 light atomic nuclei join, releasing energy. Fusion occurs naturally at the centre of stars, including the sun. Learn more about basic fusion physics from the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Position paper

In 2024, we published a position paper on regulating fusion energy technology.

Fusion energy cannot be regulated in the same way as fission energy, given their different risk profiles. As a result, regulatory amendments may be required.

Regulatory Readiness for Fusion: Discussion paper

Discussion papers play an important role in the development of the regulatory framework and regulatory program of the CNSC. They are used to solicit early public feedback on CNSC policies or approaches.

Discussion Paper DIS-25-01, Regulatory Readiness for Fusion proposed approaches for regulating fusion facilities. It was available for public comment between June 5 and August 4, 2025.

The feedback received will inform potential revisions and enhancements to the overall CNSC framework for regulating fusion facilities.

Additional information

• Document history of discussion paper DIS-16-04, Small Modular Reactors: Regulatory Strategy, Approaches and Challenges
• Review of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s Regulatory Framework for Readiness To Regulate Fusion Technologies
• What We Heard Report (DIS-16-04): Small Modular Reactors - Regulatory Strategy, Approaches and Challenges

For more information

If you have any questions, please contact us.