Helion begins work on Washington nuclear fusion plant
9 months ago
- #Microsoft
- #nuclear-fusion
- #clean-energy
- Helion, a Microsoft-backed nuclear fusion company, is building its first fusion power plant in Washington state.
- The Orion plant aims to supply power to Microsoft data centers by 2028, pending development progress.
- Microsoft signed the first power purchase agreement (PPA) for nuclear fusion in May 2023, planning to use up to 50 MW after a ramp-up period.
- Helion's project is ahead of typical commercial fusion power timelines, targeting operational status sooner than expected.
- The plant will connect to Washington's power grid, supporting Microsoft's goal to be carbon negative by 2030.
- Helion's seventh-generation prototype, Polaris, aims to demonstrate the first electricity from fusion, following achievements with the Trenta prototype.
- Helion has raised over $1 billion, with a valuation of $5.4 billion, including a recent $425 million Series F round.
- OpenAI founder Sam Altman backs Helion, and OpenAI has reportedly discussed purchasing large amounts of power from the company.
- Google recently signed a 200 MW PPA with rival fusion company Commonwealth Fusion Systems, targeting early 2030s for power delivery.
- Fusion energy, unlike fission, merges light nuclei, offering a potential long-term, nearly unlimited energy source if commercialized.