02-03-2025
World's first nuclear fusion power plant in US close to historic ignition test
Helion Energy, an Everett-based fusion energy company, has announced plans to construct the world's first fusion power plant in Malaga, Washington.
The company is working towards developing a 50-megawatt fusion power plant on land owned by the Chelan Public Utility District (PUD) near Rock Island Dam, along the Chelan County side of the Columbia River.
While the site has not been officially finalized yet, discussions are progressing, and the company plans to further engage with the community for this pioneering project.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference at the Confluence Technology Center in Wenatchee. The public event featured Helion Communications Director Jessie Barton, Chelan PUD's Kirk Hudson, Chelan County Community Development Director Deanna Walter, and Jim Kuntz of the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority.
They discussed their respective agencies' roles in exploring the potential for carbon-free energy sources in Chelan County.
'We're looking at developing a 50-megawatt fusion power plant on PUD-owned land, near Rock Island Dam, on the Chelan side of the Columbia River,' said Barton. 'Now, this isn't an official site selection at this point, but we are at the point where we're ready to bring in more community members and have a larger conversation about this potential project.'
A community event is planned for March 11 at Mission View Elementary School, where additional details about the project will be shared. The company has set an ambitious timeline, aiming to begin construction this summer if the permitting process proceeds without delays, to generate fusion energy by 2028.
From Chelan PUD's perspective, this project is a key component of a broader strategy to meet future energy demands and expand beyond hydropower, which has traditionally been the region's primary energy source. 'We have all of our eggs in one basket with hydropower, which has served us very well, but the future is going to be much different than the past has been,' said Chelan PUD's Kirk Hudson.
Initially, the fusion energy produced will support a purchase agreement with Microsoft, with long-term plans to make this clean energy accessible to local customers.
The PUD remains optimistic about the project's growth and success, aiming for its benefits to extend to residents of Chelan County and the broader north-central Washington region.
Formal discussions regarding agreements with Helion, including potential lease terms, are expected once the company is ready to begin construction.
Helion Energy anticipates hiring approximately 130 workers during the initial construction phase, with around 30 staff needed for ongoing plant operations once the facility is complete.
In May 2023, Helion Energy announced a groundbreaking deal with Microsoft, marking the world's first commercial agreement for fusion energy.
Under this agreement, Helion aims to provide Microsoft with electricity generated from its fusion power plant by 2028. The deal underscores confidence in Helion's advanced fusion technology and its potential to deliver a reliable, carbon-free energy source.
This partnership aligns with Microsoft's sustainability goals, aiming to secure clean energy for its operations. Helion's progress has been further bolstered by significant funding, including a major investment in January 2025, to accelerate the development and deployment of fusion energy technology.
With the planned fusion power plant in Malaga, Washington, Helion is taking significant strides toward making fusion energy a reality, reinforcing its commitment to revolutionizing the energy landscape by 2028.
