Virginia is poised to make history as the home of the world’s first nuclear fusion power plant, with plans announced by state officials and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) on Tuesday.
CFS, a Massachusetts-based fusion power company, will construct the groundbreaking facility on a 100-acre site at James River Industrial Park in Chesterfield County. The plant, expected to generate 400 megawatts of electricity—enough to power 150,000 homes—aims to begin operations by the early 2030s.
“Commonwealth Fusion Systems plans to build the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant, and it’s happening right here in Virginia,” stated Governor Glenn Youngkin at the project’s unveiling in Richmond.
Unlike traditional nuclear plants that rely on fission, fusion replicates the sun’s energy process, offering a cleaner and more sustainable energy source. The project will occupy about 25 acres and highlights Virginia’s expanding role in energy innovation.
The announcement aligns with the state’s growing energy demands, driven in part by the rapid rise of power-intensive data centers. A recent report by the Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission projected that energy demand from data centers could triple by 2040.
Virginia’s utilities, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, are exploring diverse energy solutions, including small modular reactors, offshore wind, and solar. The fusion plant will offer another clean energy alternative, addressing emissions linked to climate change and extreme weather.
Fusion technology combines hydrogen isotopes—deuterium and tritium—under extreme heat and pressure, creating helium as a byproduct. Unlike fission, fusion generates no long-lived radioactive waste and poses no meltdown risk, making it a safer option.
“We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking project to Virginia,” said CFS CEO Bob Mumgaard, adding that the technology eliminates the need for pipelines or smokestacks.
CFS selected Virginia after a global site search, citing the state’s regulatory framework as a key factor. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission recently determined fusion technology does not require federal licensing, streamlining state-level approvals.
The project will be entirely funded by CFS, with no costs passed on to Dominion Energy ratepayers. The plant will operate as an independent power producer, selling electricity through agreements or the PJM Interconnection market.
Virginia committed $2 million in state and local incentives, alongside federal funding from the U.S. Department of Energy. The initiative is expected to create hundreds of jobs and generate billions in economic development.
This fusion milestone aligns with Virginia’s Clean Economy Act, which defines fusion energy as “zero-carbon electricity.” Delegate Rip Sullivan plans to introduce legislation to further codify fusion energy in state law, reinforcing the state’s commitment to clean energy leadership.
The project has garnered support from environmental groups, with some raising questions about backup power systems and potential impacts. Melissa Thomas of Mothers Out Front highlighted the plant’s promise as a gas-free solution to meet rising energy demand, emphasizing the need for its timely implementation.
As Virginia embarks on this transformative journey, the fusion power plant represents a pivotal step toward a sustainable energy future.