Fusion startup Realta Fusion has announced a partnership with Madison Gas and Electric to develop a grid-connected fusion power plant in Wisconsin. The agreement aims to explore the construction of a 200-megawatt facility, which could provide enough electricity for a small city, with an anticipated operational date in the mid-2030s.
This collaboration includes an equity investment from Madison Gas and Electric, though specific financial details were not disclosed. Realta Fusion will also gain access to interconnection sites, engineering support, and technical assistance for the power plant.
The deal reflects a broader trend of utilities seeking partnerships with fusion startups. This interest is driven by recent scientific and engineering advancements in fusion technology, alongside increased power demand, particularly from AI data centres. Fusion power offers the potential for consistent, 24/7 baseload power, providing a fossil fuel-free alternative to intermittent renewable sources.
Other fusion startups have also secured utility deals, including Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) with Dominion Energy for a 400-megawatt plant in Virginia by the early 2030s, and Helion with Chelan County Public Utility District for a 50-megawatt facility in Washington State by 2028. Type One Energy is planning a 350-megawatt plant in Tennessee, while Europe's Proxima Fusion aims to build a commercial plant in Germany by the late 2030s.