The National Nuclear Security Administration and Pacific Fusion have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration on high-yield fusion, high-energy-density science and related technologies, the US Department of Energy said in a statement on Tuesday.
The agreement was announced as Pacific Fusion broke ground on a research and manufacturing campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
It will house the company's demonstration system, described as a high-yield, high-gain fusion facility for high-energy-density and inertial fusion experiments.
The agreement establishes a framework for the agency and company to explore cooperation on the development, integration and demonstration of high-yield fusion systems.
It does not commit either party to specific projects or funding, which would require separate agreements.
The initiative comes as the US seeks to expand domestic fusion and high-energy-density research amid growing investment in such technologies by other countries.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a separate statement on Tuesday that the $1 billion, 225,000-square-foot campus will house the system, which is expected to produce more energy than it consumes by 2030 and to create 200 jobs.