Affluent American Town Emerges as Global Nuclear Fusion Capital
Washington Town Eyes World’s First Nuclear Fusion Plant by 2028
A small town in central Washington state may soon host the world’s first commercial nuclear fusion power plant, a breakthrough promising “limitless” clean energy. Helion Energy, a fusion research company, aims to build a 50-megawatt facility in Malaga—a rural community of 2,000 residents—by 2028. If successful, the plant could power 50,000 homes using the same energy-producing process that fuels the sun.
Malaga, Washington, a hub for agriculture and tourism, could become a key player in clean energy.
How Fusion Works
Nuclear fusion involves fusing atoms under extreme heat and pressure, releasing vast energy without carbon emissions. Fuel for fusion, derived from seawater, is nearly inexhaustible. However, no company has yet achieved a commercially viable fusion reactor, making Helion’s project a high-stakes endeavor.
Construction Plans and Local Impact
Helion is negotiating to build its plant on land owned by the Chelan Public Utility District (PUD) near the Columbia River’s Rock Island Dam. Construction is slated to begin this summer, with operations potentially starting by 2031. The project would create 130 construction jobs and 30 permanent roles, boosting Malaga’s agriculture- and tourism-driven economy.
Image: Concept art of fusion plant
Fusion reactors replicate the sun’s energy process, fusing atoms to release heat converted into electricity.
Race Against Competitors
Helion’s 2028 target would outpace Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), a U.S. rival planning a 400-megawatt Virginia plant by the 2030s. Success could transform central Washington’s energy landscape, where hydropower dominates. Chelan PUD’s Kirk Hudson noted the need to diversify: “The demand for clean energy is only growing.”
Partnership with Microsoft
Initially, the plant’s energy will supply Microsoft under a purchase agreement, later expanding to local grids. Helion CEO David Kirtley emphasized this as a stepping stone: “Fifty megawatts is a big first step… getting fusion on the grid as fast as possible.” Over 40 U.S. firms and labs are vying to launch fusion energy.
Global Fusion Race
China, investing $1.5 billion annually in fusion, leads globally with the most patents. The U.S. trails with $800 million in yearly funding. Helion’s progress could position America competitively, though challenges remain in scaling the technology.
Image: Fusion reactor schematic
Fusion’s “artificial sun” process could revolutionize clean energy production.
A Pivotal Moment
If achieved, Helion’s plant would mark a historic leap in sustainable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and positioning the U.S. as a fusion leader. As Hudson stated, “The future will be different than the past”—and Malaga might light the way.
(Word count: ≈600)
