Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) made a splash at CES 2026 with a groundbreaking digital twin of its demonstration reactor, Sparc. This initiative represents a significant step forward in CFS’s mission to create commercial fusion power. In partnership with tech giants Nvidia and Siemens, they’re taking impressive steps toward a prize that is still almost a decade away from being awarded. The debut at the big Las Vegas event highlights the increasing interest in fusion technology. This innovation has been touted as the golden solution to invest in our energy future sustainably.
The digital twin will play a crucial role in ensuring the Sparc reactor’s design and operational efficiencies. This new, non-fission reactor just received its first 24-ton magnet on site in Massachusetts. In preparation for its next operation, CFS pictures shipping its fusion technology to customers beginning in June. This is one of those key moments in the search for cleaner and more abundant energy sources.
Progress Towards Commercial Fusion Power
CFS has developed a digital twin of Sparc. This visionary instrument is key to their mission to create a commercially viable fusion power solution in the years ahead. Digital twin technology allows for the reactor to be virtually simulated. It still provides invaluable glimpses of how well—and properly—it can really operate. This will allow CFS to operate the reactor to more intelligently informed decisions on how to design and operate it.
Bob Mumgaard, founder and CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems shared how their collective work has the potential to be transformative. He stated,
“In fusion, we’re developing an entire new industry.”
The digital twin will be integral to this evolution. It will act as a dynamic simulation tool, preparing advanced reactor operators with predictions of how their reactor will behave in a variety of situations. CFS works very closely with partners from Nvidia and Siemens. This collaboration will enhance their capacity to find and improve ways to control and optimize fusion processes with novel software and AI tools.
Industry Collaboration and Technological Advancements
As part of the CFS-Siemens partnership, CFS has committed to using Siemens software and tools to design and operate the Sparc systems. This collaboration is central to making sure that the digital twin can realistically replicate the physical reactor’s inner workings. Both companies have deep and widely recognized expertise in their respective fields. That deep background gives them the foundational understanding to take on the unique challenges of fusion technology.
Siemens CEO Roland Busch at CES recently on urgent energy needs created by new technological advances, 3 Siemens at CES 2022
“AI factories and data centers require gigawatts of electric power.”
His remarks underscore the desperate need for clean energy breakthroughs. In this context, fusion power emerges as a uniquely promising choice, for its safety, affordability, and virtually limitless potential. These challenges created by rising power expectations emphasize the necessity for new innovations like the ones being created by CFS.
CFS is incredibly excited to be working on Sparc. It’s not the only organization focused on building demonstration plants to demonstrate that fusion power can work. These ongoing collaborative efforts between CFS, Nvidia, and Siemens are a great example of how fruitful partnerships can accelerate innovation in this exciting new space.
Future Outlook for Fusion Energy
Even with the innovations on display at CES 2026, commercial fusion power remains a far-off objective. The road to ubiquity will take significant research, development, and investment. Creation of the digital twin is a key landmark for CFS. It moves us one significant step closer to realizing fusion energy on Earth.
The fruitful completion of Sparc’s first magnet installation is a significant milestone for CFS. CFS is looking to make big moves next time around. Their aim, they say, is to provide fusion energy technology to customers by June, showing how it can be applied to real-world use.
As we enter our new era of ubiquitous interest in fusion technology, industry experts continue to show tempered excitement for what lies ahead. With digital twin technology and robust partnerships, there’s great hope to solve it. What it does is empower us to meet the challenges ahead of us.
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