Virginia is set to make history as the site of the world’s first grid-scale nuclear fusion power plant, scheduled to begin generating electricity by the early 2030s, announced Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) on December 17.
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) is a Massachusetts-based startup pioneering fusion energy technology. “This will mark the first time fusion power will be made available in the world at grid scale,” stated CFS CEO Bob Mumgaard.
CFS will make multi-billion dollar investment to build the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant at the James River Industrial Center in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin hailed the development as a transformative moment. “This is an historic moment for Virginia and the world at large,” he said in a statement. “Commonwealth Fusion Systems is not just building a facility, they are pioneering groundbreaking innovation to generate clean, reliable, safe power, and it’s happening right here in Virginia. We are proud to be home to this pursuit to change the future of energy and power.”
Governor Youngkin highlighted the immense economic benefits the fusion power plant is expected to bring to Virginia. “Commonwealth Fusion Systems plans on building the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant, and it’s going to be right here in the commonwealth of Virginia,” he announced during a presentation in Richmond.
The project is anticipated to attract billions of dollars in economic development and create hundreds of jobs, contributing significantly to the state’s economy.
Congressman Don Beyer said that he was “thrilled to see a powerful step in fusion development” in Virginia. “Bringing clean, safe fusion energy to the grid is a longstanding dream that could dramatically boost standards of living in America and around the world, and I am so proud that our Commonwealth will help lead the way towards realizing that dream. As the founder of the bipartisan Fusion Energy Caucus, I look forward to continued efforts to support and grow American leadership on fusion in years to come.”
Key Highlights
- After evaluating over 100 potential sites worldwide, CFS selected the James River Industrial Center in Virginia for the plant.
- The location, owned by Dominion Energy, was chosen for its skilled workforce, focus on clean energy, and grid connection opportunities after a coal plant’s retirement. Dominion Energy will lease the site to CFS and provide technical support.
- When operational, the plant will be able to plug into the grid and produce 400 megawatts, enough to power around 150,000 homes.
- The project is expected to spur billions of dollars in economic development in the region and create hundreds of jobs during the long-term operation of the power plant.
Fusion energy: A clean power source
Fusion energy, the same process that powers stars, has long been considered a game-changer for clean and reliable electricity. “Fusion is the most common process in the entire universe,” Mumgaard explained. “It’s the thing that creates all the heat and light. On Earth, when we get it to work, we’ll use it to make electricity. That electricity will be clean, reliable, and safe.”
Despite its promise, fusion technology faces significant challenges, as it is yet to be proven viable on a commercial scale. Nonetheless, the Virginia project represents a pivotal step in the global pursuit of sustainable fusion energy.
CFS acknowledges the complexity of the construction process and the need to secure permits. Still, the startup is optimistic about the project’s success. “Commonwealth Fusion Systems is the clear industry leader in advancing the exciting energy potential of fusion,” said Edward H. Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia. “Our customers’ growing needs for reliable, carbon-free power benefits from as diverse a menu of power generation options as possible, and in that spirit, we are delighted to assist CFS in their efforts.”