Helion Begins Construction on World’s First Fusion Power Plant, Advancing Path to Grid-Connected Fusion Power
Helion, a pioneering fusion energy company headquartered in Washington state, has officially commenced development at the site of its first fusion power plant, named Orion. This significant milestone signals a bold step toward bringing fusion-generated electricity to the grid, potentially revolutionizing the global energy landscape. The facility is being built in Chelan County, Washington—an area known for its rich legacy of clean energy innovation and robust electrical transmission infrastructure.
A Strategic Leap Toward Fusion Commercialization
Helion’s groundbreaking work on the Orion plant comes after years of intense research, development, and prototype testing aimed at achieving practical, commercial fusion power. The decision to build in Chelan County reflects both technical and strategic considerations. The location offers a favorable regulatory environment, strong public utilities infrastructure, and a regional history of supporting innovative energy projects.
In 2023, Helion made headlines by securing the world’s first-ever fusion-based power purchase agreement (PPA) with Microsoft. Under this agreement, Helion has committed to supplying fusion-generated electricity to the tech giant by 2028. The arrangement is being facilitated through Constellation Energy, which will serve as the official power marketer for the project. With site development now underway, Helion appears to be on track to fulfill its ambitious 2028 target.
“This is a transformative day—not just for Helion but for the entire fusion industry,” said David Kirtley, Helion’s co-founder and CEO. “We’ve been laser-focused on taking fusion out of the lab and putting it onto the power grid. Beginning site construction is a major step toward that goal and toward a world powered by limitless, clean energy.”
Support from Industry and Government Stakeholders
The momentum surrounding the Orion project has also garnered strong support from key partners and industry leaders. Microsoft, one of Helion’s earliest customers, views the fusion initiative as part of its broader sustainability and clean energy agenda.
“Fusion represents an inspiring frontier in the world’s pursuit of clean and abundant power,” said Melanie Nakagawa, Microsoft’s Chief Sustainability Officer and Corporate Vice President of Energy, Connectivity, and Sustainability. “While the path to commercial fusion is still evolving, we are proud to support Helion’s pioneering work here in Washington. It’s an important part of our ongoing commitment to invest in cutting-edge, sustainable energy technologies.”
From the public sector, Helion has also found cooperation from state and local government agencies, utility providers, and Tribal Nations. The site selection and early groundwork have been carried out in full compliance with Washington State’s rigorous environmental regulations. Specifically, Helion received a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), clearing a major hurdle in the permitting process. The company is leasing the land for the project from the Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD), a regional energy provider known for its support of clean energy development.
Fusion Technology: From Prototype to Grid
Helion’s Orion plant is not just a symbolic construction project—it is the culmination of over a decade of technological innovation and scientific rigor. The company’s approach to fusion relies on a unique magneto-inertial confinement method and the use of deuterium and helium-3 as fuel. This process aims to generate clean electricity directly from the fusion reaction, bypassing traditional steam-based energy conversion systems.
To date, Helion has developed six previous fusion prototypes, each progressively more advanced than the last. Its sixth-generation prototype, named Trenta, achieved a remarkable milestone in 2021 by reaching plasma temperatures of 100 million degrees Celsius—the generally accepted threshold for commercial fusion power.
Building on that success, Helion is currently working on its seventh prototype, Polaris, which is expected to be the first in the world to produce electricity directly from a fusion reaction. If Polaris succeeds, it will provide critical validation of Helion’s core technology and demonstrate the viability of fusion as a scalable, grid-connected energy solution.
“Our rapid iteration strategy is what sets Helion apart,” said Kirtley. “Each prototype teaches us something new, and we use those lessons to move faster and more effectively toward commercialization. With Polaris, we’re aiming for a world-first demonstration of fusion electricity—and Orion will bring that capability to a full-scale power plant.”
A Vision for Clean, Reliable Energy
Unlike traditional nuclear fission plants, which rely on splitting atoms and produce long-lived radioactive waste, fusion mimics the energy processes that power the sun. When managed properly, fusion offers a nearly limitless, carbon-free source of energy with minimal environmental impact and no risk of meltdown. It is widely regarded as the “holy grail” of energy technologies, promising to meet growing global demand while addressing the urgent need to decarbonize electricity generation.
By moving from laboratory-scale experiments to a commercially viable fusion power plant, Helion is attempting to do what has long been considered scientifically possible but economically elusive. If successful, the Orion plant could lead to widespread adoption of fusion energy in the coming decades, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and even to other clean sources like wind and solar, which face intermittency challenges.
Community Engagement and Environmental Stewardship
Helion has been proactive in its efforts to engage with local communities, Tribal representatives, and environmental authorities throughout the planning process. Since 2023, the company has conducted a series of outreach events, public consultations, and government briefings aimed at ensuring transparency and building stakeholder trust. The company has emphasized that environmental stewardship will remain a guiding principle throughout the construction and operational phases of the Orion plant.
“Fusion energy can transform the energy landscape, but it must be done in a way that respects local communities and the environment,” said a Helion spokesperson. “We are committed to maintaining open lines of communication and to upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility.”
