Krux
March 24, 2026
OpenAI Eyes Fusion Power From Altman-Chaired Startup
Published: March 24, 2026 at 12:45 AM
Updated: March 24, 2026 at 12:45 AM
100-word summary
OpenAI is negotiating to buy large quantities of fusion electricity from Helion Energy, the Washington startup chaired by Sam Altman. Terms remain private, and the talks are ongoing. Helion already promised Microsoft 50 MW starting in 2028 and just raised $425 million at a $5.25 billion valuation with OpenAI and SoftBank backing. Site prep for its Polaris reactor is underway. Altman reportedly recused himself from the negotiations, but the conflict-of-interest optics are unavoidable. If the deal closes, OpenAI would lock compute growth to an energy supplier that hasn't yet delivered a single commercial watt.
What happened
OpenAI is negotiating to buy large quantities of fusion electricity from Helion Energy, the Washington startup chaired by Sam Altman. Terms remain private, and the talks are ongoing. Helion already promised Microsoft 50 MW starting in 2028 and just raised $425 million at a $5.25 billion valuation with OpenAI and SoftBank backing. Site prep for its Polaris reactor is underway. Altman reportedly recused himself from the negotiations, but the conflict-of-interest optics are unavoidable.
Why it matters
If the deal closes, OpenAI would lock compute growth to an energy supplier that hasn't yet delivered a single commercial watt.