![[helion-logo.svg|300]] Company website: [https://www.helionenergy.com/](https://www.helionenergy.com/) ### Introduction Helion Energy was founded in 2013 by Dr. David Kirtley, Chris Pihl, Dr. George Votroubek, and Dr. John Slough, emerging from research in plasma physics and fusion innovation. Headquartered in Everett, Washington, the company's mission is to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity by harnessing fusion to provide low-cost, zero-carbon energy for global needs. Key focus areas include developing pulsed, non-ignition magneto-inertial fusion technology for aneutronic reactions, emphasizing direct electricity conversion without turbines, scalability, and cost-effectiveness to address climate change and energy demands through commercial power plants. ### Key Products and Technology - **Polaris Fusion Generator**: Seventh-generation prototype under construction, designed for net electricity demonstration in 2025; features stronger magnets, faster pulsing, capacitor-powered magnetic compression fields reaching 100 million degrees Celsius, and direct energy recovery; applications in validating commercial fusion, powering grids, and scaling to full plants. - **Trenta Fusion Prototype**: Sixth-generation system, achieved fusion temperatures over 100 million degrees Celsius with repetitive pulsing; features field-reversed configuration plasmoids collided at high speeds, aneutronic deuterium-helium-3 fuel; applications in technology validation and data for Polaris development. - **Commercial Fusion Power Plant**: Scalable generator targeting 50 MW output per module; features pulsed operation, direct electricity extraction with high efficiency, modular design for factory production and rapid deployment; applications in baseload electricity for data centers, industrial manufacturing, and utilities, with first deployment planned for 2028. ### Team and Leadership - **Dr. David Kirtley, Founder & CEO**: Oversees company strategy and operations; 13+ years in nuclear engineering, fusion, and space propulsion; NSF, NASA, DOD fellow; focuses on commercializing fusion for clean energy access. X handle: not available; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kirtley-8a27281/. - **Chris Pihl, Co-Founder & CTO**: Leads technology development; expertise in fusion systems and engineering; co-founded to commercialize fusion electricity. X handle: not available; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-pihl-5b5b5b1/. - **Dr. George Votroubek, Co-Founder & Principal Scientist**: Directs scientific research; background in plasma physics and fusion innovation. X handle: not available; LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-votroubek-5b5b5b1/. - **Dr. John Slough, Co-Founder**: Contributes to core technology; plasma and fusion expert from University of Washington. X handle: not available; LinkedIn: not publicly listed. ### Recent News and Developments (2025) | Date | Event | Details | |------|--------|---------| | May 23, 2025 | Site Selection for Fusion Plant | Identifies Malaga, Washington, as potential location for first commercial plant to supply Microsoft, advancing despite technological challenges. | | May 15, 2025 | Legislation Streamlines Approvals | Applauds new state law signed by Gov. Ferguson to expedite fusion site selection and permitting. | | May 12, 2025 | Funding Boost for Microsoft Supply | Raises additional capital to accelerate development of fusion plant for delivering electricity to Microsoft. | | February 24, 2025 | Reactor Milestone Announcement | Details plans for net-positive fusion reactor by 2028, emphasizing direct energy conversion. | | February 4, 2025 | Progress on First Power Plant | Advances construction and funding for world's first fusion power plant targeted for 2028 operation. | | January 28, 2025 | Series F Funding Round | Secures $425 million to scale commercialization, reaching $5.4 billion valuation and supporting Polaris testing. | ### Partnerships and Collaborations - **Microsoft**: Power purchase agreement signed in 2023, ongoing into 2025 for 50 MW fusion electricity by 2028, supporting data center needs. - **Nucor Corporation**: Collaboration announced in 2024, extended into 2025 for developing a 500 MW fusion plant to decarbonize steel manufacturing by the 2030s. - **SoftBank Vision Fund 2**: New lead investor in January 2025 $425M Series F round, focusing on scaling fusion technology. - **Lightspeed Venture Partners**: Participated in January 2025 Series F funding to support commercialization efforts. - **Sam Altman (OpenAI)**: Long-term investor leading prior rounds, continued support in 2025 for fusion advancements. - **Chelan County Public Utility District**: Feasibility study in 2025 for siting a 50 MW fusion plant in Malaga, Washington. ### Closing Note Following a $425 million Series F round in January 2025 that elevated its valuation to $5.4 billion and total funding over $3 billion, Helion Energy remains in the advanced prototype stage with Polaris testing underway, forecasting net electricity in 2025 and commercial deployment by 2028 to capitalize on surging fusion investments and partnerships. *Report generated July 28, 2025*