Helion considers Malaga site for world’s first fusion power plant

WENATCHEE – Helion, an Everett-based energy company, is considering a property in Malaga to place the world's first fusion power plant. 

The company announced its interest alongside Chelan PUD, Chelan County, and Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority during a press conference on Feb. 27.

“Helion has been looking for a site for a fusion power plant since about 2023…and Chelan [County] has stood out as a top option due to its long history in clean energy development,” said Helion Communications Director Jessie Barton.

The company specializes in fusion energy, which combines two light atomic nuclei, such as isotopes of hydrogen and helium, at extremely high temperatures and pressures, releasing energy in the process, according to the company website. It’s considered clean energy, as it does not release greenhouse gas, nor does it produce high level radioactive waste.

Helion is looking at developing its power plant on Chelan PUD property near Rock Island Dam, which would be used to provide 50 megawatts to Microsoft under a purchase agreement. 

“We're seeing a rapid load growth forecast in our cities, so we have to figure out how to respond to that…And the benefit to our community and our customers is being on top of potentially an emerging technology breakthrough that would revolutionize the entire energy industry,” said Kirk Hudson of Chelan PUD.

If all goes to plan, the company hopes to break ground by summer 2025, and deliver its first electrons to the grid by 2028, according to Barton. The company plans to hire 130 employees for the construction process, then around 30 employees for 24/7 power plant operations.

“We are seeing absolute record investments in both Chelan and Douglas Counties, primarily with data centers coming our way…So in this light of trying to attract new investment and new jobs, we're excited with Helion,” said Jim Kuntz, CEO of Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority.

Chelan County leaders and Helion will host a community meeting to share details about the project before proceeding with permitting and agreements. The community meeting is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on March 11 at Mission View Elementary School in Wenatchee.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media