Report says OpenAI is in talks to buy future fusion power from Helion

In short: A report says OpenAI is negotiating with Helion Energy to buy a large amount of electricity from Helion’s future fusion power plants.

What happened

OpenAI is reportedly in negotiations with Helion Energy about buying electricity for AI computing, according to TechCrunch, citing reporting that traces back to The Wall Street Journal.

The reporting describes the potential purchase in broad terms, such as “vast quantities” of power. It does not clearly confirm a specific share like 12.5% of Helion’s output. As of the latest reports, no final agreement has been announced, and Helion has said it has no new customer announcements.

Helion is working on fusion power, which aims to make energy by fusing atoms together (like trying to copy how the sun makes energy, but inside a machine). Fusion has not yet been proven as a reliable, everyday source of electricity at commercial scale. Helion’s first commercial plant is planned to connect to the power grid by 2028 under an existing deal with Microsoft, which includes at least 50 megawatts and penalties if Helion misses the deadline.

The talks also raise conflict of interest questions. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is the chair of Helion’s board and has a reported $375 million personal stake. He has recused himself, meaning he is stepping back from these negotiations.

Why it matters

AI systems run in data centers, which are like giant warehouses full of computers, and they use a lot of electricity. If fusion ever works as promised, it could provide a new source of power with no carbon emissions at the point of generation, but the timelines and the technology are still uncertain.

Source: TechCrunch AI