US-based fusion technology developer Helion Energy has received a Conditional Use Permit from Chelan County, authorising the construction of its power generation building for the Orion fusion plant in Malaga, Washington State. The permit covers the development of a High Impact Utility Facility for power generation as part of the county’s regulatory process.
This administrative approval follows a period of public consultation, prior notice, and a review by the county hearing examiner. In July, the company had already begun building supporting infrastructure on land leased from the Chelan County Public Utility District, following a Mitigated Determination of Non-Significance under Washington’s State Environmental Policy Act.
Towards a pilot facility by 2028
Orion is Helion’s first fusion plant planned for grid connection. The company targets a generation capacity of 50 megawatts electric (MWe) or more, following a one-year ramp-up phase. Helion states it remains on schedule to achieve commercial operations by 2028.
The company is developing a non-ignition, pulsed fusion technology with direct electricity recovery. This method allows for a smaller plant size while avoiding energy losses associated with heat-to-electricity conversion through turbines. The fuel mix consists of deuterium and helium-3.
A project backed by industrial partnerships
In May 2023, Helion signed a power purchase agreement with Microsoft for electricity from the Orion plant. Constellation Energy will act as the transmission manager and energy marketer. No financial details regarding volumes or pricing terms have been disclosed.
Helion has previously built and tested seven prototypes, reaching 100 million degrees plasma temperature in 2021 with its sixth fusion prototype, Trenta. The company has not disclosed overall project costs or industrial construction partners for Orion.
Local anchoring and national outlook
Local authorities in Chelan County praised Helion’s proactive engagement with the community early in the permitting process. The county commissioner representing the Malaga area noted the company’s efforts to understand local requirements and address community concerns.
Washington State is historically associated with hydroelectric power, and local officials now see potential for the region to become a hub for national fusion energy development.
