Helion, a Washington-based fusion energy company, on July 30 announced that it has begun work on the site of its first fusion power plant, Orion, marking a major step in bringing fusion electricity to the grid. Located in Chelan County, Washington, the site was chosen for its ready access to transmission and legacy of energy innovation.
In 2023, Helion announced the world’s first power purchase agreement that will provide energy from the plant to Microsoft by 2028, with Constellation Energy serving as power marketer. With site work now underway, Helion remains on track to meet that goal.
Helion began building in Malaga, Washington, on land it is leasing from the Chelan County PUD. This followed a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance (MDNS) through Washington’s comprehensive environmental review process, SEPA.
Since 2023, Helion has been actively engaging with local and state stakeholders – including government agencies, Tribal Nations, and the general public – in preparation for a siting and permitting decision.
Helion will continue to work through the remaining steps in the permitting process to construct and operate a commercial fusion power plant on the site.
