Despite Tech Hurdles, Washington Fusion Funding Heats Up

by | Aug 6, 2024 | Clean Energy News | 0 comments

Last year, the fusion industry pulled in more than $900 million of private and public funding in the quest for commercially viable energy production. According to a report from the Fusion Industry Association last month, that brings the total sum invested in the sector to more than $7.1 billion.

There are at least 45 companies globally tackling the challenge, with a hub of businesses in the Pacific Northwest.

Washington Sen. Patty Murray recently toured Helion Energy, while Gov. Inslee visited both Helion and Zap Energy. Both leaders are proponents of policies supporting the sector. In March, Inslee approved a bill designating fusion as a clean energy source and requiring state agencies to begin developing guidelines for permitting, siting and licensing fusion power plants in Washington state.President Biden also signed the Fusion Energy Act, a measure led by Murray that facilitates the development of federal permitting regulations for fusion energy.

Ben Levitt, vice president of research and development at Zap Energy, left, explaining the company’s fusion technology to Gov. Jay Inslee. To the right are Rep. Mary Fosse and Rep. Julio Cortes, both from Everett.

Ben Levitt, vice president of research and development at Zap Energy, left, explaining the company’s fusion technology to Gov. Jay Inslee. To the right are Rep. Mary Fosse and Rep. Julio Cortes, both from Everett. (Zap Energy Photo / Andy Freeberg)

Read more from Geekwire here: Gov. Inslee, Sen. Murray visit Washington fusion startups as funding heats up despite tech hurdles – GeekWire