# DOE Funds Fusion Test Facility at ORNL

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded a contract in August 2026 to develop and operate UNITY-3, a fusion breeding blanket test facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee. Kyoto Fusioneering, relocating its U.S. headquarters to support this effort, serves as the prime contractor in partnership with ORNL. This facility will enable critical testing of fusion reactor components under realistic fusion-nuclear conditions, addressing a key gap in validating breeding blanket technology essential for fusion power plants. The project aligns with DOE's fusion energy roadmap and represents a significant advancement in fusion energy research infrastructure.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the strategic partnership between DOE, ORNL, and Kyoto Fusioneering, highlighting opportunities in fusion technology development and testing services.
- The establishment of UNITY-3 creates demand for specialized fusion component testing, engineering, and operational support, signaling growth in fusion-related procurement.
- Contractors with expertise in nuclear science, fusion technology, and advanced testing facilities may find new collaboration or subcontracting opportunities.
- The relocation of Kyoto Fusioneering's U.S. headquarters to Oak Ridge underscores the region's emerging role as a fusion technology hub, relevant for regional economic development and supply chain considerations.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** August 12, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
- TN Department of Economic & Community Development

### Vendors
- Kyoto Fusioneering (prime contractor)
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory (partner)

### Key Quotes
> Every D-T fusion power plant being designed assumes a breeding blanket that works 1 yet no one has ever validated one under real fusion-nuclear conditions. UNITY-3 is where that changes: a shared proving ground that replaces assumptions with measured data for the entire industry.
> — Bibake Uppal, President of Kyoto Fusioneering America

> Oak Ridge National Laboratory has helped lead the nation in nuclear science advancements for more than eight decades, and fusion is an important part of that legacy.
> — Stephen Streiffer, ORNL Director

### Sources
- [ORNL, Kyoto Fusioneering to develop fusion technology test facility in East Tennessee](https://www.ornl.gov/news/ornl-kyoto-fusioneering-develop-fusion-technology-test-facility-east-tennessee) - ORNL