OpenAI is in talks to buy fusion energy from Helion

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March 23, 2026, 3:27 PM

• •OpenAI is negotiating to buy substantial power from Helion Energy, a nuclear fusion startup.
• •Altman, Helion's largest individual investor, has stepped down from the board to avoid conflicts of interest.
• •The deal could provide OpenAI with 5 gigawatts of power by 2030 and 50 gigawatts by 2035.
• •Helion's existing commitments are significantly smaller, and the deal depends on several conditions being met.

OpenAI is in advanced talks to purchase electricity from Helion Energy, the nuclear fusion startup, potentially receiving 5 gigawatts of power by 2030 and scaling to 50 gigawatts by 2035. Sam Altman, the largest individual investor in Helion, has stepped down from the board and recused himself from the deal discussions to avoid conflicts of interest, mirroring a previous move at Oklo. The proposed deal, still in early stages, would require Helion to significantly increase its production capacity. The agreement hinges on several conditions, including Helion achieving its net electricity production goals, raising questions about governance and potential benefits for Altman.

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