MALAGA, Washington – Helion, a Washington-based fusion energy company, has announced the commencement of site work for its inaugural fusion power plant, Orion, in Malaga, Chelan County. This significant step marks progress toward bringing fusion electricity to the grid, with the company aiming to deliver power to Microsoft by 2028. Helion stated this week on social media, > "This week we shared that site work has begun on Helion's first fusion power plant, Orion. This news comes after a year of evaluating potential sites while getting to know the Wenatchee Valley community."
The Orion project is designed to produce at least 50 megawatts (MW) of electricity, which will be supplied to Microsoft under a power purchase agreement (PPA) established in 2023. Constellation Energy is slated to serve as the power marketer, facilitating the connection of the fusion-generated electricity to Washington’s primary power delivery networks. Helion's previous prototype, Trenta, achieved a fuel temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, a critical milestone for commercial fusion.
The site in Chelan County was selected due to its established energy infrastructure, including ready access to transmission lines, and the region's legacy of energy innovation. Helion is leasing land from the Chelan County Public Utility District (PUD) for the facility. This development follows a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) through Washington’s environmental review process.
Since 2023, Helion has engaged extensively with local and state stakeholders, including government agencies, Tribal Nations, and the general public, to prepare for the siting and permitting decisions. Community meetings and ongoing dialogues have been part of their outreach efforts in the Wenatchee Valley. The company will continue to navigate remaining regulatory steps for the construction and operation of the commercial plant.
Helion's progression with Orion positions it as a frontrunner in the commercial fusion energy sector, attracting significant investment and attention. The project aims to provide a zero-carbon energy source derived from water, contributing to a new era of energy independence and industrial renewal. This initiative could transform Chelan County into a showcase for fusion innovation, potentially accelerating fusion's role in the global clean energy supply.