On the horizon As next-gen energy convergence takes hold, compounding effects such as increased adoption and cost reduction are emerging. These compounding effects are setting the stage for the next wave of technological combinations, further accelerating the energy transition. New forms of energy generation will begin to emerge, led by advancements in fusion power. Multiple companies are advancing distinct technological pathways. One approach is magnetic confinement fusion with Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ tokamak-based approach, and Proxima Fusion and Thea Energy are employing stellarators. The other pathway to fusion is laser-driven fusion with organizations such as Marvel Fusion. Breakthroughs in materials science, AI-supported plasma control and computational design are expected to support the complex design process and manufacturing required for these approaches. At scale, fusion could dramatically reduce energy costs while providing abundant zero-emission energy. Beyond power generation, fusion is also expected to impact other sectors such as hard to decarbonize industrial heat, aerospace and logistics – particularly marine propulsion.28 Another promising path is the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs). Paired with AI simulations, advanced materials, and robotics for safety and maintenance, SMRs could provide reliable, flexible and cleaner energy solutions while entering new industrial value chains. In parallel, as intelligent grid systems and the decentralized energy market matures, the development of autonomous energy ecosystems will represent the most ambitious but achievable scenario. The combination of intelligent grid systems with decentralized energy markets is creating self- organizing networks that optimize efficiency, cost and environmental impact. Achieving this requires significant advancements in key technologies, but current product-stage grid management systems and custom-built optimization platforms provide a clear development pathway. The strength of these convergence patterns lies in their interdependence – intelligent grids enhance renewables, decentralized systems improve resilience and efficiency measures ease system demands. Together, they create reinforcing cycles that could accelerate energy transformation. The strength of these convergence patterns lies in their interdependence – intelligent grids enhance renewables, decentralized systems improve resilience and efficiency measures ease system demands. Together, they create reinforcing cycles that could accelerate energy transformation. Quantum technologies represent perhaps the most transformative yet challenging technological frontier, pioneering a new era of computational, communication and sensing capabilities. Quantum computing has the capacity to address some of the most complex and previously unsolvable challenges. Quantum communication technologies offer enhanced security capabilities, while quantum sensors enable unprecedented levels of measurement precision, both on Earth and in space.Emerging quantum capabilities, including quantum entanglement distribution, quantum memory materials and quantum repeaters, are driving advancements in ultra-secure communication, scalable quantum networking and quantum information processing. These innovations are supported by foundational technologies like atomic clocks, quantum key distribution and quantum sensors, which provide stability for real-world applications. Together, they pave the way for enhanced precision measurement, secure data transfer and quantum-classical hybrid computing.2.8 Quantum technologies domain Technology Convergence Report 49

Technology Convergence Report 2025