With their announcement, Helical Fusion has taken a big step in the direction of sustainable energy. They recently executed an innovative new type of power purchase agreement (PPA) with Aoki Super, one of the largest supermarket chains in central Japan. This agreement is an extraordinary achievement, both for Japan and by Japan. It marks the world’s first private-sector fusion-energy PPA in a country widely known for its commitment to advanced technology.
Founded in 2021 by Takaya Taguchi, along with two scientists from the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), Helical Fusion aims to revolutionize electricity generation. The company’s longer-term ambitions are to deliver the world’s first commercially viable stellarator, a specific type of nuclear fusion reactor. The purpose of this pilot reactor is to target a small generation capacity on the order of 50 to 100 megawatts-electrical (MWe). It’s now slated to begin regular service sometime near 2040.
Strategic Investment and Development Plans
In July 2025, Aoki Super will make a hookshot investment to Helical Fusion through the Helix Programme. This initiative has already brought in an eye-popping Y5.2 billion ($34 million) in private grants and loans. Recently in July, Helical Fusion completed its Series A funding round, closing successfully. In September this year, they raised Y2.3 billion ($15 million) to accelerate their research and development efforts.
With the Helix Programme, we’re taking advantage of almost 70 years of worldwide research into fusion technology. Most importantly, it showcases the many remarkable strides accomplished at NIFS. Today, the Large Helical Device (LHD) at NIFS ranks as one of the world’s most advanced stellarator facilities. It provides vital information that informs the evolution of technology at Helical Fusion.
“This demonstrates that our development plan has been concretely evaluated by a real electricity consumer, Aoki Super, which requires large amounts of electricity every day to operate its store networks,” – Helical Fusion
Intermediate Innovations
To test its ideas and technologies, Helical Fusion created an intermediary device called Helix HARUKA. This specialised apparatus will contribute to validating components and systems. As the company learns along the way, it will influence how the company designs and builds its second, and eventual, pilot reactor. Helical Fusion is now prepared to make strategic decisions on reactor design and operational efficiency. They’re using other lessons learned with Helix HARUKA to inform their decisions.
This most recent partnership with Aoki Super further demonstrates terrific momentum and support for Helical Fusion’s vision and plans. This trend indicates an increasing interest in sustainable energy solutions among other commercial players. Consumer and business demand for reliable, affordable, and clean energy sources is booming. Collaborations, such as this one, have the potential to push the boundaries of fusion technology even further.
Future Outlook
Helical Fusion also boasts a strong financial backing and key partnerships. With that kind of backing, the company is poised to do big things and reach for those lofty goals. The company aims to contribute significantly to Japan’s energy landscape by pioneering technologies that harness fusion energy for the future.