Washington state is making strides towards supporting the commercial fusion sector, with legislation being signed by Governor Jay Inslee to establish fusion power as a clean energy source that can help meet climate goals. The legislation also mandates the formation of a work group to explore pathways for permitting, siting, and licensing fusion energy plants. Zap Energy, a fusion company based in Everett, Washington, is involved in this effort, along with three other companies in the Pacific Northwest working to commercialize fusion technology.
Fusion energy involves slamming small atoms together under high pressure to create energy, similar to the reactions that power the sun and stars. If successfully scaled down and replicated on Earth, fusion technology could provide a limitless supply of carbon-free power. While significant milestones have been achieved, such as fusion ignition by physicists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, there are still technical challenges to overcome before fusion power can be integrated into the electrical grid. Despite skepticism, some legislators like Rep. Clyde Shavers are hopeful about the potential of fusion technology to solve environmental challenges.
The fusion ventures in the region are making progress, with Helion Energy aiming to deploy a commercial plant by 2028 and Zap targeting commercial power by 2030. Scientific advancements and funding from public and private sources are driving the field forward, leading to the need for regulatory processes to be established. While fusion is a form of nuclear energy, the risks associated with it are different from traditional nuclear fission, with fusion not leading to runaway reactions or reactor meltdowns. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has determined that fusion will be regulated similarly to particle accelerators, making the process less costly and onerous compared to fission power.
In addition to fusion legislation, other climate tech and clean energy laws are being signed into law in Washington. These include supporting the adoption of electric school buses, addressing transitions away from natural gas, increasing solar consumer protections, and exploring the potential for geothermal energy facilities in the state. Efforts are also being made to link Washington’s carbon marketplace with California and Quebec to further reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Overall, Washington’s commitment to supporting fusion energy and other clean energy initiatives showcases its dedication to addressing environmental challenges and moving towards a more sustainable future.
