Helion Energy is reportedly exploring a deal to supply fusion-generated electricity to OpenAI, according to Axios. The agreement remains in early stages but could grant OpenAI access to 12.5 percent of Helion’s projected output. This includes up to five gigawatts by 2030 and 50 gigawatts by 2035.
The scale implied by the proposal underscores Helion’s aggressive production targets. Each reactor is expected to generate 50 megawatts, requiring approximately 800 units by 2030 and more than 7,000 additional reactors within five years. The company has not publicly confirmed the discussions.
The move aligns with similar efforts by Microsoft, which signed a power purchase agreement with Helion in 2023 for energy delivery starting in 2028. Such deals reflect increasing pressure on AI companies to secure long-term, high-capacity energy sources.
Helion is pursuing a distinct technical approach compared to other fusion startups. Rather than using heat to drive turbines, its system converts fusion energy directly into electricity using magnetic fields. Its Polaris prototype has already achieved plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius, approaching the 200 million threshold required for commercial viability.
The company raised $425 million in funding last year from investors including Sam Altman and firms such as Mithril, Lightspeed, and SoftBank. Altman has reportedly stepped down as Helion’s board chair and recused himself from the negotiations.
If successful, Helion could become one of the first companies to commercialize fusion power, potentially years ahead of competitors targeting the early 2030s.
