![[zap-energy-logo.svg|300]] Website: [zapenergy.com](https://www.zapenergy.com) ### Introduction Zap Energy, founded in 2017, is a privately held company based in Seattle, Washington, with additional research facilities in Everett and Mukilteo, Washington. The company was co-founded by British entrepreneur and investor Benj Conway, who serves as President and CEO, alongside technologist Brian A. Nelson, who acts as Chief Technology Officer. Zap Energy's mission is to commercialize fusion power through a unique sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology, aiming to provide a low-cost, compact, and scalable energy solution that avoids the need for expensive magnets or lasers. While specific employee counts are not publicly disclosed in the latest available data, the company has grown its team to support ongoing research and development efforts. As a private entity, Zap Energy does not have a public ticker symbol and remains focused on advancing its technology toward commercial viability. The company emerged from research conducted at the University of Washington under Uri Shumlak, with early positive results from the Fusion Z-pinch Experiment (FuZE) as part of the Advanced Research Projects Agency–Energy ([[ARPA-E]]) ALPHA program, which catalyzed its formation ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zap_Energy)). ### Key Products and Technology Zap Energy is developing a singular, innovative approach to fusion energy through its Z-pinch technology platform. Below are the details of its core technology: - **Name and Type**: Z-Pinch Fusion Energy System (fusion reactor technology) - **Technical Specifications**: Specific power output figures in megawatts (MW) or megawatts electric (MWe) are not publicly detailed in current sources, as the technology is still in the scaling phase. The system focuses on high-repetition-rate operations, as demonstrated by its Century platform, which integrates liquid-metal cooling and pulsed power systems for sustained operations. - **Fuel Type or Energy Source**: The system uses plasma confinement and compression to achieve fusion, likely relying on deuterium or deuterium-tritium fuel mixtures, common in fusion research, though exact fuel specifics are not disclosed. - **Key Differentiators**: Unlike traditional fusion approaches such as tokamaks or stellarators, Zap Energy’s Z-pinch method does not require complex and costly magnetic coils or external heating systems like lasers. Its sheared-flow stabilization technique enhances plasma stability, potentially reducing costs and simplifying reactor design ([Zap Energy](https://www.zapenergy.com)). - **Development Stage**: The technology is in the advanced R&D phase, with the Century platform operational as of 2024 for testing critical systems necessary for a future power plant. Zap Energy aims to achieve scientific breakeven and eventually commercial profitability, though it has not yet reached commercial deployment. - **Target Customers**: The company targets utilities and industrial sectors seeking clean, reliable baseload power. Additionally, posts on X suggest potential applications for high-demand sectors like AI-driven data centers due to fusion’s promise of nearly limitless energy ([X sentiment](https://x.com)). ### Regulatory and Licensing Status Zap Energy operates within the evolving regulatory framework for fusion energy in the United States. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has recently announced plans to develop a tailored regulatory framework for fusion energy, distinct from traditional fission regulations, which is a positive development for companies like Zap Energy. This "right-sized" regulatory approach aims to streamline the path to commercialization while ensuring safety ([Zap Energy News Archive](https://www.zapenergy.com/news-archive)). - **NRC Application Status**: There is no specific public information indicating that Zap Energy has entered a formal NRC application process (e.g., pre-application or design certification) as of the latest data. The focus appears to be on R&D and pilot plant planning. - **Key Regulatory Milestones**: The NRC’s decision to create a fusion-specific regulatory framework is a critical milestone for the industry, though Zap Energy’s individual progress within this framework is not detailed in public sources. - **Estimated Timeline to First Commercial Deployment**: While Zap Energy has not provided a definitive public timeline, the company’s focus on scaling its Century platform suggests a multi-year horizon, likely beyond 2030, for commercial deployment, contingent on achieving scientific and engineering breakthroughs. ### Team and Leadership Zap Energy’s leadership team combines expertise in entrepreneurship, technology, and fusion science. Key figures include: - **Benj Conway (President and CEO)**: A British entrepreneur and investor, Conway co-founded Zap Energy and drives its strategic vision to commercialize fusion power. - **Brian A. Nelson (Chief Technology Officer)**: As a co-founder and technologist, Nelson oversees the technical development of the Z-pinch technology, drawing from extensive experience in fusion research. - **Uri Shumlak (Scientific Advisor)**: A key figure in the conceptual development of Zap Energy’s technology at the University of Washington, Shumlak provides scientific guidance. Specific X handles for these individuals are not verified in the available data and are thus omitted. ### Funding and Financial Position Zap Energy has secured significant funding to advance its fusion technology, reflecting strong investor confidence in its approach. - **Total Funding Raised and Latest Round**: As of October 2024, Zap Energy raised $130 million in a Series D funding round, led by Soros Fund Management LLC, with participation from Plynth Energy and other major investors. Previous rounds, including a reported $160 million mentioned in posts on X (though not independently verified in primary sources), suggest cumulative funding in the hundreds of millions ([ESG Today](https://www.esgtoday.com/fusion-reactor-startup-zap-energy-raises-130-million/)). - **Key Institutional Investors**: Investors include Soros Fund Management LLC and Plynth Energy, alongside other undisclosed backers from prior rounds. - **Revenue Status**: Zap Energy remains pre-revenue, focusing on R&D and technology validation rather than commercial sales or contracts at this stage. ### Recent News and Developments | Date | Event | Details | |---------------|--------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Dec 22, 2025 | Congressional Delegation Visit | Zap Energy hosted U.S. congressional staff delegations to discuss fusion innovation, supported by Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Rick Larsen ([X Post](https://x.com/Energy_Zap)). | | Oct 10, 2024 | Series D Funding Round | Raised $130 million to advance Century platform and commercial fusion power plant efforts ([ESG Today](https://www.esgtoday.com/fusion-reactor-startup-zap-energy-raises-130-million/)). | | Oct, 2024 | Century Platform Operations | Began operations of the Century test platform, integrating liquid-metal cooling and pulsed power systems for plant-scale validation ([Fusion Energy Insights](https://fusionenergyinsights.com)). | | Early 2024 | NRC Regulatory Framework | U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission announced plans for a tailored fusion regulation framework, benefiting companies like Zap Energy ([Zap Energy News Archive](https://www.zapenergy.com/news-archive)). | | 2023 | GeekWire Award Nomination | Nominated for GeekWire’s 2023 Sustainable Innovation of the Year for its fusion technology efforts ([Zap Energy News Archive](https://www.zapenergy.com/news-archive)). | ### Partnerships and Collaborations Zap Energy has not publicly detailed specific utility or offtake agreements as of the latest information. However, strategic engagements include: - **U.S. Fusion Energy Caucus and Congressional Leaders**: Zap Energy collaborates with policymakers, as evidenced by hosting congressional delegations in December 2025, to advocate for fusion energy support and funding. This relationship, supported by figures like Senator Maria Cantwell, could facilitate future government partnerships or grants ([X Post](https://x.com/Energy_Zap)). - **Research and Industry Networks**: While specific partnerships are not listed, Zap Energy’s involvement in [[ARPA-E]]’s ALPHA program historically ties it to broader fusion research networks, potentially opening doors to collaborations with academic institutions or other fusion startups. Information on partnerships remains limited, and further details may emerge as the company progresses toward commercialization. ### New Hampshire Relevance Zap Energy’s technology, while still in the R&D phase, could have future relevance for [[New Hampshire]]’s energy landscape, though direct connections or expressed interest in the Northeast U.S. are not documented in current sources. - **Proximity to Infrastructure**: New Hampshire hosts [[Seabrook Station]], a nuclear power plant, and is part of the ISO New England (ISO-NE) grid, which could theoretically integrate fusion power for baseload generation once commercially viable. Zap Energy’s compact design might suit regional deployment near existing infrastructure. - **Technology Readiness**: Given its pre-commercial stage, Zap Energy’s technology is not ready for near-term deployment in New Hampshire, likely missing the timeline for immediate legislative or grid needs under initiatives like HB 710, which explores advanced nuclear options including SMRs. - **Alignment with NH Legislative Initiatives**: HB 710 and related SMR provisions in New Hampshire focus on near-term nuclear solutions, whereas Zap Energy’s fusion technology targets a longer horizon. However, fusion’s promise of clean, limitless energy aligns with NH’s broader clean energy goals. - **Potential Applications**: If successful, Zap Energy’s fusion systems could serve grid power needs, support growing data center loads in the region, or provide industrial heat for manufacturing sectors in NH. - **NH Connections**: There is no current evidence of Zap Energy engaging with NH stakeholders or expressing specific interest in the Northeast, though its pilot plant study in Centralia, Washington, indicates a focus on transitioning coal sites, a model that could apply to similar contexts in NH or nearby states ([Zap Energy News Archive](https://www.zapenergy.com/news-archive)). ### Competitive Position Zap Energy operates in a competitive fusion energy landscape, facing rivals with varying approaches: - **[[Commonwealth Fusion Systems]] ([[Commonwealth Fusion Systems|CFS]])**: Based in Massachusetts, CFS focuses on tokamak technology with high-temperature superconductors, backed by significant funding (over $2 billion). CFS is closer to demonstrating net energy gain, posing a timeline advantage over Zap Energy’s Z-pinch method. - **[[TAE Technologies]]**: Recently in the spotlight due to a $6 billion merger with Trump Media, [[TAE Technologies|TAE]] uses a field-reversed configuration approach and has strong partnerships (e.g., Google). Its visibility and funding outpace Zap Energy, though both remain pre-commercial ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/trump-media-tae-technologies-combine-6-billion-deal-2025-12-18/)). - **[[Helion]] Energy**: Also based in Washington, [[Helion]] targets a pulsed fusion approach with a 2028 commercialization goal. Its proximity and overlapping investor interest create direct competition for Zap Energy. Zap Energy’s unique advantage lies in its magnet-free, potentially lower-cost design, but it faces risks from slower progress in plasma stability and a less established partnership network compared to competitors. ### Closing Note Zap Energy is at an advanced R&D stage with promising Z-pinch fusion technology, showing strong funding traction and regulatory tailwinds, though it remains years from commercial deployment. *Report generated December 24, 2025*