Helion Energy

Fusion startup Helion Energy is facing scrutiny after shifting expectations around its Orion project, which had been slated to supply commercial electricity to Microsoft. The company, backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman, has been among the most aggressive in promising near-term fusion power, so any movement in its timeline draws attention. Observers are debating whether the change reflects realistic engineering challenges or a sign that commercial fusion remains further off than claimed.