Laser Fusion Is Making Great Strides: Germany's Draft Bill On Radiation Protection

The German Federal Government has published a draft bill to amend the Radiation Protection Act (Strahlenschutzgesetz, “StrlSchG”), which for the first time explicitly clarifies the regulatory framework applicable to fusion facilities — including laser fusion plants. For companies developing fusion technology in Germany, the bill delivers two key messages: fusion plants will be permitted under the StrlSchG — not under the more onerous Atomic Energy Act (Atomgesetz, “AtomG”) — and the permitting process itself is being significantly streamlined.

Permitting under Radiation Protection Law

The draft bill expands the definition of “facilities for the generation of ionizing radiation” in Section 5(2) StrlSchG to explicitly include fusion facilities (Fusionsanlagen) alongside accelerators, plasma installations, and laser installations. This clarification confirms what the government views as existing law but had not been expressly stated: fusion facilities are subject to the permitting