#Canada #MUFG #Fusion Fuel Cycles #Chalk River #JBIC

Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc. Secures CA$20 Million Loan to Propel Test Loop Development

Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc. (FFC), a collaborative venture established between Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Kyoto Fusioneering, proudly announced on September 18, 2025, its successful acquisition of a CA$20 million loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) alongside MUFG Bank, Ltd. This significant financing underscores a steadfast commitment between Canada and Japan aimed at fast-tracking the adoption of clean energy technologies, along with reinforcing international cooperation in the expanding global fusion sector.

The funds will specifically aid in progressing FFC's premier initiative, termed the "Unique Integrated Testing Facility" (UNITY-2). This facility is distinguished as the world's first entirely integrated fusion fuel cycle. Through providing access to real-world scenarios that are operationally relevant, UNITY-2 will serve as a critical platform to advance the technological prowess necessary for achieving commercial viability in fusion energy.

According to Mr. Yuhei Nozoe, the Co-CEO of FFC, “Fusion energy is a true international challenge, and addressing it requires robust global collaboration. This financial support reinforces the significance of UNITY-2 as a conduit for blending Canadian and Japanese expertise. Together, we are establishing the foundational pillars for the global fusion sector, ensuring that tritium fuel cycle technologies are rigorously tested, verified, and ready for deployment on a large scale.”

The alignment of these financial resources from Japanese institutions, both public and private, reflects a strong concordance with the national strategies of both Canada and Japan, aimed at fostering clean energy innovation. In the Canadian context, UNITY-2 solidifies the country's position as a hub for the development of fusion fuel cycle technologies, drawing from decades of expertise in tritium handling at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. For Japan, this loan complements years of investment in fusion research and bolsters Kyoto Fusioneering's pioneering role in advanced tritium management and heat management technology.

The collaboration highlighted by this initiative illustrates how strategic international partnerships can stimulate innovation, foster decent job creation, and propel economic growth sustainably. The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, remarked, “Canada has recognized the transformative potential that fusion energy carries, and we have invested in this sector to ensure our country's leadership role on the global stage. The federal government remains committed to promoting fusion development as part of our clean energy and innovation trajectory.”

Both the Canadian and Japanese governments comprehend the significant economic advantages that leadership in fusion energy could render—highlighting the creation of skilled employment opportunities and positioning domestic industries at the forefront of a betting multi-billion-dollar clean energy market. The UNITY-2 project presents a direct avenue for advancing state-of-the-art manufacturing, technology exports, and shared knowledge between Canada and Japan. Supporting the establishment of a robust supply chain for fusion fuel cycle components ensures that both nations can harness the economic value of fusion while contributing positively to global energy security and decarbonization efforts.

Ontario's Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, Vic Fedeli, stated, "The creation of the UNITY-2 facility here in Ontario cements our province's status as a leader in energy innovation. This financing milestone will generate new, high-quality jobs across our province, enhance our advanced manufacturing sector, and deepen our collaborative efforts with Japan, one of our closest allies.”

Founded in 2024, FFC has rapidly positioned itself as a pivotal point of collaboration within the Canadian and Japanese fusion industries. The JBIC loan guarantees the continued advancement of the UNITY-2 project as a centralized testing platform, offering companies worldwide the chance to evaluate fusion technologies under real-world conditions that mimic future commercial fusion power plants.

About Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc.

Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc. (FFC) operates as a joint venture involving leading figures in the fusion service domain, namely the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Kyoto Fusioneering (KF). Established in 2024, FFC integrates over 70 years of expertise in managing tritium research with the nimble approach characteristic of a start-up, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions that enhance the performance of fusion fuel cycle systems. Their end-to-end solutions span from design through to full operations, focused on maximizing fuel efficiency, minimizing tritium inventory, and enhancing heat transfer efficiencies, thereby facilitating the delivery of safe, efficient, and economic fusion energy solutions.

For additional information regarding FFC, interested parties can visit FFC's official website.

About JBIC

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is a government-owned financial institution in Japan. Its mission is to contribute to the effective development of the Japanese economy and the global economy through the financial support of vital resource procurement, enhancement of Japan’s competitiveness, and promotion of environmental conservation through strategic investments.

Further details about JBIC can be found at JBIC's website.

About MUFG Bank

MUFG Bank, Limited stands as Japan's leading financial institution, possessing a vast global network extending to around 40 nations. The bank provides diverse commercial and investment banking services tailored for businesses, governments, and individual clients worldwide. With a legacy spanning over 360 years, MUFG is committed to being the world's most trusted financial organization by adapting to varied financial demands, fostering cooperative growth, and serving societal needs effectively. For more information, please visit MUFG's website.