OpenAI eyes fusion energy deal with Helion

OpenAI is in early talks to purchase electricity from Helion Energy, a nuclear fusion startup, Axios reported.

The proposed deal could supply 5 gigawatts by 2030, scaling to 50 gigawatts by 2035, requiring roughly 100 reactors for the initial target.

The move highlights OpenAI’s push toward fusion energy to support rising power demand.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO and Helion investor, has stepped down as board chair and recused himself from discussions to avoid conflicts of interest, repeating a move he made at Oklo last year. 

The company recently reached a plasma temperature of 150 million degrees Celsius, exceeding its prior record.

The deal still hinges on Helion meeting production milestones, finalizing a site, and fulfilling other conditions.

Currently, Helion’s commercial output is 50 megawatts with Microsoft, and a 500-megawatt plant planned with steelmaker Nucor.

Not just OpenAI
Major tech companies, including Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta, are increasingly turning to nuclear power to meet the massive energy needs of AI data centers while pursuing round-the-clock carbon-free electricity.