Concerns about operations at Helion Energy, an Everett, Wash.-based fusion company, is the focus of reporting published today by Bloomberg.
The article notes that the company, which has drawn big investments from Open AI’s Sam Altman and has a deal with Microsoft, is setting ambitious targets for producing commercially viable fusion power, but is so secretive about its work that skeptics worry it will miss key deadlines and publicly undermine the sector.
Helion plans to start operating its seventh prototype reactor by the year’s end, and aims to build a fusion plant for Microsoft by 2028, which would likely make it the world’s first commercial, power-generating facility — if it succeeds.
No one so far has been able to produce and capture energy from fusion machines that generate power by smashing together atoms under extreme heat and pressure.
About 45 companies worldwide are operating in the fusion sector. While many publish results from their technology in scientific journals and share information at conferences, Helion has been particularly tight-lipped regarding its progress.
In response the Bloomberg story, a Helion spokesperson shared a statement with GeekWire regarding publications. “Our focus is on getting fusion deployed as quickly as possible. Our technical team dedicates 100% of its time to developing, building, and testing our technology so we can meet the planet’s growing clean energy needs. We do publish our work where we can add insight on key topics for deployment while balancing [intellectual property] disclosure,” the spokesperson said by email.
The Bloomberg story also reported on alleged internal strife at the company, including allegations of harassment and gender discrimination.
The Helion spokesperson responded: “With respect to the specific claim raised by Bloomberg, as we shared with them, an external investigator found no evidence that the incident occurred.
“Additionally, Helion is very focused on creating an inclusive workplace and we’re committed to continuously improving our environment. Over the last two years, we’ve introduced several initiatives, including an annual pay equity analysis, empowering employees to form employee resource groups (ERGs), and implementing multiple channels to ensure every voice is heard and valued. This has and will continue to be a priority to the leadership at Helion.”
Helion has raised $612 million in venture capital plus has contracts with Microsoft and steel manufacturer Nucor for power purchases.
https://ift.tt/KWfQcG5 July 18, 2024 at 11:41PM GeekWire
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