A US energy company that has set its sights on becoming the first to deliver electricity from fusion energy has begun construction on the site of its proposed power plant.
Everett-based Helion’s Orion site is located in Chelan County, Washington state, and was chosen for its “ready access” to transmission and legacy of energy innovation, the company says.
In 2023, Helion announced the world’s first power purchase agreement (PPA) that will provide energy from the plant to Microsoft by 2028, with Constellation Energy serving as power marketer. With site work now underway, Helion says it remains on track to meet that goal.
David Kirtley, Helion’s co-founder and chief executive, said: “[This] is an important day – not just for Helion, but for the entire fusion industry – as we unleash a new era of energy independence and industrial renewal.
“Since we founded the company, we have been completely focused on preparing fusion technology for commercialisation and getting electrons on the grid. Starting site work brings us one step closer to that vision.”
Helion began building in Malaga, Washington, on land it is leasing from the Chelan County Public Utilities District (PUD). This followed a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) through Washington’s comprehensive environmental review process, SEPA.
Since 2023, Helion has been actively engaging with local and state stakeholders – including government agencies, Tribal Nations, and the general public – in preparation for a siting and permitting decision.
Helion says it will continue to work through the remaining steps in the permitting process to construct and operate a commercial fusion power plant on the site.
Melanie Nakagawa, CSO and CVP energy, connectivity, and sustainability at Microsoft, said: “Fusion represents an inspiring frontier in the world’s pursuit of clean and abundant power. While the path to commercial fusion is still unfolding, we’re proud to support Helion’s pioneering work here in Washington state as part of our broader commitment to investing in sustainable energy.”
Helion claims its approach of 2rapid iteration and testing” has enabled the company to make “steady progress” toward a commercial fusion machine.
Its 7th-generation prototype, Polaris, is expected to demonstrate the first electricity produced from fusion. With its previous prototype, Trenta, Helion was the first private company to achieve a fuel temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, which is generally considered the required operating temperature for a commercial fusion power plant.
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