FUSION ENERGY NEWS

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory spinout Thea Energy is taking a fundamentally different approach to stellarator fusion by using planar arrays of magnets controlled by software algorithms instead of complex magnet rings. CEO Brian Berzin explains how this “software-defined” magnetic confinement system relaxes engineering tolerances and enables mass manufacturing of fusion power plants. With $20M in Series A funding from investors including Hitachi, Thea plans to demonstrate Q=1 performance with its Eos system by 2030, followed by the Helios commercial plant targeting 2035 grid connection. Berzin also discusses the intensifying global competition in fusion commercialization and why stronger US government support is critical as China, Germany, and other nations ramp up their programs.

The fusion energy sector is experiencing unprecedented momentum as AI industry leaders and governments pour billions into commercialization efforts. Sam Altman and other tech giants are investing heavily in fusion companies like Helion, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and TAE Technologies to meet soaring data center energy demands, while Germany has committed over €2 billion by 2029 to build the world’s first commercial fusion plant by 2040.

Helion Energy showcased its Polaris prototype and is racing to fulfill its groundbreaking 2028 power purchase agreement with Microsoft for 50 megawatts—potentially the world’s first commercial fusion delivery. The IAEA’s latest outlook projects fusion could generate 10-50% of global electricity by 2100, adding trillions to global GDP, with over 160 fusion devices now operational, under construction, or planned worldwide.

Meanwhile, California is positioning itself as the “Silicon Valley of fusion,” with projections showing the state’s fusion industry could generate $125 billion in economic impact and support over 40,000 jobs, though experts warn the next 3-5 years will determine whether the state captures this opportunity or loses it to competitors.

Helical Fusion has successfully tested their high-temperature superconductor coils under production-level conditions, achieving stable 40kA current flow in a 7-tesla magnetic field at 15 Kelvin. This breakthrough validates their unique helical stellarator approach and kicks off construction of the Helix HARUKA integrated demonstration device. The Japanese fusion company, backed by $35M in funding, is advancing an alternative path to fusion energy that builds on decades of stellarator research at Japan’s NIFS facility.