Microsoft, another OpenAI partner, previously signed a separate agreement with Helion in 2023 to begin purchasing electricity starting in 2028. That earlier deal similarly hinges on Helion’s ability to deliver commercial fusion power on schedule—something no company has yet achieved at scale.
Helion is currently advancing its Polaris prototype as it pushes toward a first commercial reactor. In February, the company said it produced plasma reaching 150 million degrees Celsius, approaching the 200 million degrees it believes is necessary for sustained fusion. If successful, Helion’s timeline would place it ahead of most competitors, many of which are targeting the early 2030s for initial commercial systems.
Unlike many fusion developers that rely on heat and steam turbines to generate electricity, Helion is pursuing a design that converts fusion energy directly into electrical power using magnetic fields. Its approach involves accelerating plasma from opposite ends of an hourglass-shaped reactor and compressing it at the center until fusion occurs, with the resulting force captured and converted into electricity.
The potential agreement also reflects the overlapping ties between the two companies. Sam Altman, a backer of both Helion and OpenAI, has reportedly stepped down as chair of Helion’s board and recused himself from the negotiations. His involvement has nonetheless linked the companies as Helion seeks large customers to support its commercialization efforts.
Helion raised $425 million last year from investors including Altman, Mithril, Lightspeed, and SoftBank, as it continues to develop its technology and scale toward commercial deployment.
This analysis is based on reporting from TechCrunch.
Image courtesy of Helion.
This article was generated with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy and quality.
