Virginia selected to host world’s first commercial fusion plant, a critical step forward for fusion technology innovation
Richmond, VA – Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) will build the world’s first grid-scale commercial fusion power plant outside of Richmond, Virginia. The announcement marks a critical step forward for fusion technology deployment, establishing it as a key zero-carbon solution for the energy transition.
“This announcement shows that fusion is no longer a far-off dream—it’s becoming a reality,” said Sehila Gonzalez de Vicente, Global Fusion Director at Clean Air Task Force (CATF). “Fusion has the potential to revolutionize our energy systems by providing clean, firm power. The deployment of this plant signals a major step toward meeting our climate goals while addressing growing electricity demand from data centers and the broader artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC) ecosystem. However, to realize fusion’s full potential will require adequate regulatory frameworks that can attract investment and facilitate the deployment of more projects like this one. A supportive regulatory environment will not only ensure the safe and efficient development of fusion energy, but also positions the U.S. as a global leader in fusion energy innovation.”
Fusion energy is the process by which lighter atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen, merge to form a heavier nucleus, releasing substantial energy. This is the same reaction that powers stars, including the sun, and requires extremely high temperatures. Fusion is inherently safe—there’s no risk of chain reactions or meltdowns—and it’s expected to produce only low-level radioactive waste. As the world’s leading data center market, Virginia hosts approximately 35% of all known hyperscaler data centers. As data center electricity consumption is projected to increase significantly over the next decade, fusion energy holds great promise for powering the growing computational demands of AI and HPC.
“The decision to open the world’s first commercial fusion plant in Virginia is great news for the state and demonstrates Virginia’s vital role as a clean energy innovator and leader in the region,” said Paula Leverett Cobb, Senior Southeast Regional Policy Manager at Clean Air Task Force (CATF). “Fusion power is a clean, firm technology that could help Virginia meet growing electricity demand while also achieving its clean economy goals.”
Clean Air Task Force recently released a report highlighting the synergy between fusion energy, AI, and HPC. The report finds that fusion energy can play a vital role in data center-heavy localities like Virginia, where AI-driven innovation and energy-intensive operations can benefit from clean, firm power like fusion energy. It also highlights how AI and HPC tools are accelerating the development of fusion technology, with advancements by CFS serving as a key example featured in the study.
In 2025, CATF plans to host a series of webinars and courses on fusion safety regulation. CATF also looks forward to working with state and federal policymakers to accelerate fusion deployment and ensure its success in the clean energy transition.
To learn more about CATF’s fusion program, visit: https://www.catf.us/fusion-energy/
Press Contact
Natalie Volk, Communications Manager, [email protected], +1 703-785-9580
About Clean Air Task Force
Clean Air Task Force (CATF) is a global nonprofit organization working to safeguard against the worst impacts of climate change by catalyzing the rapid development and deployment of low-carbon energy and other climate-protecting technologies. With more than 25 years of internationally recognized expertise on climate policy and a fierce commitment to exploring all potential solutions, CATF is a pragmatic, non-ideological advocacy group with the bold ideas needed to address climate change. CATF has offices in Boston, Washington D.C., and Brussels, with staff working virtually around the world. Visit catf.us and follow @cleanaircatf.
