Fusion is the process that powers the sun and stars. Theoretically, it can provide a limitless source of energy without producing harmful carbon emissions.
Helion is a fusion energy company that is trying to develop zero-carbon electricity from fusion. Today, Helion announced the world’s first fusion energy purchase agreement with Microsoft. As part of this agreement, Microsoft will purchase power from Helion’s first fusion power plant which is expected to be online by 2028 and will target power generation of 50 MW or greater after a 1-year ramp up period. Purchasing green electricity from Helion will help Microsoft to achieve its goal of being carbon negative by 2030.
“This collaboration represents a significant milestone for Helion and the fusion industry as a whole,” said David Kirtley, CEO at Helion. “We are grateful for the support of a visionary company like Microsoft. We still have a lot of work to do, but we are confident in our ability to deliver the world’s first fusion power facility.”
Helion has already built six working prototypes and is currently building its seventh prototype, which is expected to demonstrate the ability to produce electricity in 2024.
“We are optimistic that fusion energy can be an important technology to help the world transition to clean energy,” said Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President at Microsoft. “Helion’s announcement supports our own long term clean energy goals and will advance the market to establish a new, efficient method for bringing more clean energy to the grid, faster.”
