Helion, a fusion energy company, has commenced construction on its first fusion power plant, Orion, in Malaga, Washington. The plant is intended to deliver carbon-free energy to Microsoft by 2028 under an agreement signed in 2023. Fusion, the process of merging two atoms to release energy, is viewed as a potential source of abundant, zero-carbon power. Unlike fossil fuels, fusion does not produce carbon emissions, and unlike nuclear fission, it does not create highly radioactive waste. However, large-scale fusion energy generation has been challenging due to the need to achieve extremely high temperatures and pressure.
Since its founding in 2013, Helion has aimed to develop the world’s first fusion power plant. The agreement with Microsoft marks the first-ever fusion power purchase agreement, with Constellation Energy serving as the power marketer. With the land secured and construction underway, Helion is on track to supply power to Microsoft by 2028.
David Kirtley, Helion’s Co-Founder and CEO, stated that the initiation of site work is a significant milestone for the fusion industry, bringing the company closer to commercializing fusion technology and delivering power to the grid. Helion’s development strategy focuses on rapid iteration and testing. Its seventh-generation prototype, Polaris, is anticipated to demonstrate the first electricity generated from fusion. Helion’s prior prototype, Trenta, was the first private initiative to achieve a fuel temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, a critical benchmark for commercial fusion.
Microsoft’s collaboration with Helion aligns with its goal to become carbon negative by 2030 and its commitment to matching 100% of its electricity consumption with zero-carbon sources. Melanie Nakagawa, Chief Sustainability Officer and Corporate Vice President of Energy, Connectivity, and Sustainability at Microsoft, emphasized that fusion represents a promising frontier in the pursuit of clean and abundant energy. She expressed pride in supporting Helion’s innovative efforts in Washington state as part of Microsoft’s broader commitment to sustainable energy investment.
