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Helion

Direct-electricity fusion developer building Orion for Microsoft

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What they build

The product

Pulsed field-reversed-configuration fusion generators designed to recover electricity directly by electromagnetic induction. Polaris is the seventh-generation prototype and is testing multiple fuel mixes; Orion is the first commercial plant, designed to deliver at least 50 MW and begin initial operations in 2028.

Why it matters

The thesis

Helion is simultaneously operating a seventh-generation prototype and constructing a customer-backed commercial plant. Polaris has demonstrated measurable deuterium-tritium fusion and temperatures above 150 million degrees Celsius, Orion has its principal state radioactive-material and air-emissions licenses, and a $500 million Series G values the company at $15.5 billion post-money.

Operating model

How it runs

Helion builds and iterates its fusion generators in-house, then develops commercial fusion power plants for grid and on-site industrial delivery; announced projects include the Orion plant serving Microsoft and a proposed plant at a Nucor steel facility.

Revenue model

How it earns

The commercial model is electricity sales through customer agreements, including a power purchase agreement for at least 50 MW to Microsoft and a separate 500 MWe development agreement with Nucor. Pricing and other contract economics are undisclosed.

Strategic edge

Why it wins

Helion's pulsed field-reversed-configuration system is designed to recover electricity directly by electromagnetic induction, avoiding a steam cycle; compact plasmas, in-house standardized components, and a deuterium/helium-3 fuel cycle are intended to reduce plant complexity and support scaled deployment.

Source material

Evidence ledger

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