The fusion industry is abuzz following TAE Technologies' announcement of a planned merger with Trump Media & Technology Group, aiming to establish what they describe as the world's first utility-scale fusion plant. This ambitious project is set to begin site work next year, backed by a commitment of $300 million from Trump Media as part of a $6 billion merger.
TAE Technologies claims to have solved fundamental engineering challenges in fusion energy, a long-sought source of carbon-free power. CEO Michl Binderbauer stated that despite raising $1.3 billion from investors, the company has struggled to secure adequate funding until now.
Meanwhile, Helion Energy has already commenced construction in Eastern Washington on its own fusion plant, which it asserts will be operational by 2028. The competitive landscape is intensifying, with Helion's CFO Pragav Jain acknowledging the merger as a positive indicator for the sector while emphasizing their existing advancements.
Following the merger news, Trump Media's stock surged nearly 50%, with President Trump being the largest shareholder, holding a stake valued at over $1 billion through a trust managed by his son.