Could Fusion Power Be Available A Lot Sooner Than We All Thought?

In the push to create renewable, clean sources of energy, fusion power (you know, the stuff that makes stars shine so brightly) has always been the holy grail.

Late last year, researchers confirmed that their experiments produced some promising evidence that it could be a feasible option … but most experts said that any real application would still be many years away.

Well, Microsoft is betting that the experts are wrong.

Teaming up with Helion

One company that hopes to be at the forefront of efficient and effective fusion power is Helion. The firm is backed by Sam Altman, whom you might recognize as the founder of ChatGPT creator OpenAI.

Helion has set an ambitious goal of using fusion to create commercial electricity within the next five years — and Microsoft wants a piece of the action.

In a new agreement, Helion has agreed to provide 50 megawatts or more of fusion power to Microsoft each year or face stiff financial penalties. Such a commitment is particularly notable since no company — Helion included — has ever actually created fusion-based electricity.

Altman’s game-changing goal

Although it remains to be seen whether Helion’s bold strategy ultimately pays off, Microsoft President Brad Smith is clearly hopeful, explaining: “We wouldn’t enter into this agreement if we were not optimistic that engineering advances are gaining momentum.”

For his part, Altman said that his involvement in this project is much more than just a ploy to grab attention and make headlines.

“The goal is not to make the world’s coolest technology demo,” he said of plans to create a functional prototype by next year. “The goal is to power the world and do it extremely cheaply.”

If he’s successful, a lot of naysayers will be eating their words in 2028.

Chris Agee May 11th, 2023

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