Sam Altman-backed fusion startup Helion in talks to sell power to OpenAI

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is stepping down as board chair of the Helion — the fusion startup he backs — amid reported talks between the two companies. The deal, which was reported by Axios, is in early stages, and it could guarantee OpenAI 12.5% of Helion’s production — five gigawatts by 2030 and 50 gigawatts by 2035. OpenAI partner Microsoft signed a similar deal with Helion in 2023 to buy power starting in 2028. If the figures in Axios’ report prove to be accurate, it suggests that Helion expects to be a ...