HomeHelion Energy in Talks with OpenAI for Fusion Power Partnership
Fusion energy startup Helion is reportedly in discussions to supply power to OpenAI. Both companies share a common backer in Sam Altman.
According to a report from Axios, the deal is in its preliminary stages. It could potentially secure OpenAI 12.5% of Helion's projected output—five gigawatts by 2030 and 50 gigawatts by 2035. This follows a similar agreement Helion signed with OpenAI partner Microsoft in 2023 for power supply commencing in 2028.
If the figures cited in the report are accurate, they indicate Helion's confidence in rapidly scaling its fusion power plant production. The company states each reactor generates 50 megawatts, implying a need to deploy 800 reactors by 2030 and an additional 7,200 by 2035.
Helion did not provide an immediate response to TechCrunch's request for comment.
The startup is working to complete its first commercial-scale reactor by that timeframe. Success would position it years ahead of most competitors, who are targeting the early 2030s for commercial operation.
Last year, Helion secured $425 million in funding from investors including Sam Altman, as well as Mithril, Lightspeed, and SoftBank.
While most fusion startups focus on one of two main approaches—using heat from reactions to drive steam turbines—Helion is pursuing a distinct method. Its reactor design employs magnets to directly convert fusion energy into electricity.
Within its hourglass-shaped reactor, fusion fuel is first converted into plasma at each end. Magnetic fields then propel these plasmas toward a central collision point. A separate set of magnets compresses the merged plasma until fusion occurs. The resulting reaction pushes against the magnets, enabling direct energy conversion.
Helion is currently testing its Polaris prototype ahead of its commercial power push. In February, the reactor achieved plasmas reaching 150 million degrees Celsius, nearing the 200 million degrees Celsius threshold the company believes is necessary for commercial operations.
Although Altman has reportedly resigned as chair of Helion's board and recused himself from the negotiations, his influence is evident in facilitating this potential partnership.
Last year, Altman also stepped down as board chair of Oklo, a small modular reactor startup that merged with his acquisition company, AltC. Oklo's co-founder stated the move was intended to allow the company to explore strategic partnerships with leading AI firms, potentially including OpenAI.
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Fusion energy startup Helion is reportedly in discussions to supply power to OpenAI. Both companies share a common backer in Sam Altman.
According to a report from Axios, the deal is in its preliminary stages. It could potentially secure OpenAI 12.5% of Helion's projected output—five gigawatts by 2030 and 50 gigawatts by 2035. This follows a similar agreement Helion signed with OpenAI partner Microsoft in 2023 for power supply commencing in 2028.
If the figures cited in the report are accurate, they indicate Helion's confidence in rapidly scaling its fusion power plant production. The company states each reactor generates 50 megawatts, implying a need to deploy 800 reactors by 2030 and an additional 7,200 by 2035.
Helion did not provide an immediate response to TechCrunch's request for comment.
The startup is working to complete its first commercial-scale reactor by that timeframe. Success would position it years ahead of most competitors, who are targeting the early 2030s for commercial operation.
Last year, Helion secured $425 million in funding from investors including Sam Altman, as well as Mithril, Lightspeed, and SoftBank.
While most fusion startups focus on one of two main approaches—using heat from reactions to drive steam turbines—Helion is pursuing a distinct method. Its reactor design employs magnets to directly convert fusion energy into electricity.
Within its hourglass-shaped reactor, fusion fuel is first converted into plasma at each end. Magnetic fields then propel these plasmas toward a central collision point. A separate set of magnets compresses the merged plasma until fusion occurs. The resulting reaction pushes against the magnets, enabling direct energy conversion.
Helion is currently testing its Polaris prototype ahead of its commercial power push. In February, the reactor achieved plasmas reaching 150 million degrees Celsius, nearing the 200 million degrees Celsius threshold the company believes is necessary for commercial operations.
Although Altman has reportedly resigned as chair of Helion's board and recused himself from the negotiations, his influence is evident in facilitating this potential partnership.
Last year, Altman also stepped down as board chair of Oklo, a small modular reactor startup that merged with his acquisition company, AltC. Oklo's co-founder stated the move was intended to allow the company to explore strategic partnerships with leading AI firms, potentially including OpenAI.
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