Helion Energy just took a big step toward commercializing fusion energy. They recently launched construction of their Orion fusion power plant in Chelan County, Washington. On July 31, 2025, the giant company reached a start-up first. More importantly, this event represented a major leap forward for the fusion energy industry as a whole. Helion’s CEO, David Kirtley, emphasized the importance of this occasion. He says it represents the start of an exciting new chapter for home grown energy independence and industrial renewal.
Indeed, this ambitious project lays the groundwork for Helion’s remarkable achievement in some ways. With its Trenta prototype, Helion set a record as the first private company to achieve a fuel temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, achieving this key milestone. Helion’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. As of January 2025, the company had just closed its Series F round and brought in $425 million. This month’s windfall brought Helion’s total funding to more than $1 billion and its post-money valuation to $5.425 billion.
Strategic Site Selection
There were many strategic reasons why the site for the Orion fusion power plant was selected. Helion had chosen the site to take advantage of its transmission access and a deep history of energy innovation. Chelan County Public Utilities District leased the land to Helion. This strategic executive move positions the company well to implement its robust growth plans.
Beginning in 2023, Helion started deeply investing in stakeholder engagement, knowing they had to gain the support of stakeholders at every level to win their initiatives. To start, you’re going into your first PPA with Microsoft. Per the deal, by 2028 all electricity generated from the future Orion plant will be directed toward powering the tech giant. Constellation Energy became the sole power marketer for this deal. This action underscores Helion’s commitment to fostering robust collaborations across the commercial industry.
Future Developments
Helion is currently pursuing completion of the outstanding permit conditions. This is critical for the development and implementation of the Orion facility. The company is advancing its efforts towards its seventh-generation prototype, Polaris, which is expected to be the first to generate electricity from fusion energy.
Melanie Nakagawa, an industry expert, remarked on the potential impact of fusion energy:
“Fusion represents an inspiring frontier in the world’s pursuit of clean and abundant power.”
Helion has some ambitious plans, and they are making real progress in the direction of achieving them. Armed with its original ideas, the company is looking to change the entire world’s energy future.
