Australian nuclear fusion startup HB11 Energy has emerged as one of the most promising ventures in the global pursuit of clean energy. Founded in 2017, the company has pioneered a novel approach to nuclear fusion that utilizes hydrogen and boron-11—two abundant and safe fuels—ignited by high-powered lasers. This method, called laser-driven hydrogen-boron fusion, stands apart from traditional nuclear fission and mainstream fusion models by offering a clean, safe, and potentially limitless energy source.
In 2025, HB11 Energy took a significant leap forward by announcing its expansion into the United States, aiming to capitalize on a more favorable regulatory and funding environment. This move reflects both the company’s ambitions and the increasingly global nature of the nuclear fusion race.
Breaking Into the U.S. Market
HB11 Energy received a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) under the Innovation Network for Fusion Energy (INFUSE) program. This initiative encourages collaboration between private companies and national laboratories to speed up fusion research and commercial development. HB11 Energy gained access to the expertise and infrastructure of the University of Rochester, a major player in high-energy laser science and an institutional partner of the National Ignition Facility. This partnership allows HB11 to refine its hydrogen-boron fuel target design, a critical step in improving fusion efficiency and scalability.
In addition to the INFUSE grant, HB11 Energy joined the Industrial Council of the Target Injector Nexus (TINEX)—a $180 million U.S. initiative dedicated to commercializing clean fusion energy. TINEX focuses on creating precise fuel target injection systems, a fundamental component in laser fusion reactor design. HB11 now collaborates with several top-tier research organizations, including General Atomics, Colorado State University, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. By joining this council, HB11 Energy earned recognition as a serious contributor to global fusion efforts.
Laser-Driven Hydrogen-Boron Fusion: A New Frontier
HB11 Energy distinguishes itself by its use of aneutronic fusion technology. Unlike traditional fusion reactions that use deuterium and tritium (which release high-energy neutrons and require complex shielding), hydrogen-boron fusion produces negligible neutron radiation. This feature greatly reduces the risks and costs associated with radioactive waste management and reactor wear-and-tear. Instead of relying on plasma confinement methods like magnetic tokamaks or inertial systems, HB11 uses ultra-powerful lasers to initiate fusion in hydrogen-boron fuel.
This approach harnesses non-thermal plasma block ignition to trigger reactions—essentially skipping the need to heat fuel to millions of degrees. As a result, the system avoids many of the engineering challenges that have plagued other fusion methods for decades.
Strategic Motivation Behind U.S. Expansion
Co-founder and CEO Warren McKenzie explained that the company faced significant hurdles within Australia. Despite HB11’s potential, Australia lacked a cohesive national fusion strategy and public perception often confused fusion with nuclear fission. That confusion led to hesitation in both political support and private investment. In contrast, the United States offered a more structured and proactive environment for fusion development.
The U.S. government has taken a leadership role in advancing fusion through funding, collaboration networks, and institutional backing. As the American administration boosts clean energy innovation, fusion finds itself at the center of long-term national energy strategy. By entering the U.S. market, HB11 Energy aligns itself with a robust ecosystem that supports faster technological progress and commercial deployment.
Global Market Potential
The nuclear fusion sector, long considered speculative, now appears to be approaching practical viability. Analysts predict the global nuclear fusion market could reach $40 billion to $80 billion by 2035, depending on technical milestones and public policy support. If major breakthroughs continue, the sector might even surpass $350 billion by 2050.
HB11 Energy finds itself well positioned to benefit from this transformation. Its technology addresses some of the biggest concerns associated with nuclear power: safety, cost, and environmental impact. The company focuses on simplicity and safety in design—eliminating the need for radioactive fuel, complex cooling systems, or bulky shielding infrastructure.
The company’s aneutronic technology could also lower insurance costs, streamline regulatory approval, and gain public trust more easily than conventional nuclear solutions. These factors position HB11 as a compelling investment for stakeholders looking for next-generation energy innovation.
Progress Beyond Research
HB11 Energy continues to make progress in both research and commercial development. The startup announced successful laboratory demonstrations of laser-induced hydrogen-boron fusion, marking a world-first in this specific fusion approach. With backing from investors and governments, the company now scales up its efforts to achieve net energy gain—a state where the energy produced from fusion reactions exceeds the energy used to initiate them.
HB11 engineers and physicists now work closely with partners in the United States to optimize reactor design, increase reaction yield, and develop continuous laser systems. These steps bring the technology closer to pilot reactor deployment, a key milestone on the path to commercialization.
At the same time, HB11 aims to educate policymakers, investors, and the public about the distinctions between fusion and fission, and the immense potential of aneutronic fusion. The company organizes briefings, publishes technical findings, and engages with scientific institutions worldwide to build momentum and credibility.
A New Role for Australia in the Global Fusion Movement
Although HB11 now leads operations in the U.S., it continues to play a vital role in shaping Australia’s contribution to the global energy transition. The company uses its presence and success abroad to advocate for stronger policy support and funding frameworks in Australia. Its founders call on the government to adopt a national fusion strategy and join other countries in investing in this transformative energy source.
Australia, with its abundant solar energy and scientific talent pool, has the resources to become a key player in fusion development. By demonstrating that Australian startups can lead global innovation in fusion, HB11 Energy paves the way for others to follow.
Conclusion
HB11 Energy stands at the forefront of a new wave of nuclear fusion technology. With its expansion into the United States, the company enters a thriving ecosystem of innovation, funding, and collaboration. Its laser-driven hydrogen-boron fusion technology not only addresses the long-standing challenges of fusion energy but also provides a realistic pathway to safe, clean, and sustainable power.
As the world accelerates its shift away from fossil fuels, HB11 Energy exemplifies how focused innovation, strategic global partnerships, and a commitment to science can unlock solutions that once seemed out of reach. With milestones already achieved and many more in sight, the company continues to drive the world closer to a future powered by limitless energy.