Sam Altman-backed fusion startup Helion in talks to sell power to OpenAI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is stepping down as board chair of Helion, a fusion energy startup he supports, amid early-stage discussions between the two companies about a potential power purchase agreement. According to a report by Axios, the deal could secure OpenAI 12.5% of Helion’s fusion power output—projected at five gigawatts by 2030 and 50 gigawatts by 2035. This implies Helion aims to rapidly scale its production by building hundreds to thousands of reactors, each producing 50 megawatts. While Helion has not confirmed ongoing talks with OpenAI, the company acknowledged Altman’s departure from the board and indicated this move could facilitate future collaboration to deliver zero-carbon electricity. Helion is developing a unique fusion reactor that directly converts fusion energy into electricity using magnetic fields, differing from most fusion startups that use steam turbines. Its Polaris prototype has achieved plasma temperatures nearing 200 million degrees Celsius, a critical milestone toward commercial operation. Helion