Helion Energy is preparing to build the world’s first fusion power plant in Malanga, Washington. The planned 50-megawatt plant will initially supply power to Microsoft. Aamir Khollam reports for Interesting Engineering:
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.
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