Construction of what could be the world’s first commercial plant to generate power with fusion, the process that powers the stars, is set to start in ‌the U.S. in 2027, and the search for more sites is under way, the head of Commonwealth Fusion ‌Systems said in a Reuters NEXT Newsmaker interview on Tuesday. Commonwealth, based in Massachusetts, has raised about $3 billion in private money, more than any other ​firm looking to build fusion plants and start generating power in the early 2030s. Scientists have been trying to harness fusion, an elusive reaction in which light atoms are jammed together under extreme heat, for at least 50 years. But backers say it is getting closer to becoming commercially viable as money pours in. Fusion is the opposite of nuclear fission, which splits heavy ‌atoms, creating a chain reaction and long-lasting ⁠nuclear waste. Bob Mumgaard, CFS co-founder and CEO, said the company’s demonstration fusion machine in Massachusetts is more than 75% complete and will turn on in 2027. “Then immediately we’ll go ⁠as fast as we can to construction of the first commercial power plant in Virginia,” he said, adding that a less-likely 2026 start is possible. The 400-megawatt Virginia plant, less than half the size of a typical nuclear fission reactor, is getting its permits.

Full report : Commonwealth Fusion Systems first commercial fusion plant in Virginia is 70% complete and scheduled to go critical in 2027.

For more see the OODA Company Profile on Commonwealth Fusion Systems.