Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ Brandon Sorbom and Helion’s David Kirtley on bringing fusion to the grid at...

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Published: 2026-09-28T15:55:32.385Z • Permanent link

Brandon Sorbom, CEO of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and David Kirtley, CEO of Helion, took the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to share their vision for bringing fusion power to the grid. Their presentation marked a significant milestone in the quest to harness the energy potential of fusion reactions. Fusion, the process of combining atomic nuclei to release vast amounts of energy, has long been considered the "holy grail" of energy production. Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion are two of the leading companies pushing the boundaries of fusion technology. Their collaboration represents a critical step towards making fusion power a reality.

Sorbom and Kirtley's presentation focused on the technical advancements and commercialization efforts underway at their respective companies. They highlighted the significant progress made in the development of fusion reactors, including the deployment of the first commercial-scale fusion reactor in the United States. The reactor, developed by Commonwealth Fusion Systems, is expected to achieve net electricity production by 2027, marking a major breakthrough in the field. Helion, meanwhile, has made significant strides in the development of its proprietary fusion technology, which it claims can achieve commercial-scale fusion power in the next decade.

The partnership between Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion represents a significant step forward in the fusion energy landscape. The collaboration brings together two companies with complementary strengths and expertise, enabling them to tackle the complex technical challenges associated with fusion power. The potential impact of their work cannot be overstated, with the ability to generate clean, sustainable energy on a massive scale. The implications for the global energy landscape are profound, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate climate change, and improve energy security.

The potential impact of fusion power on the global energy landscape is far-reaching. Companies like Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Helion are not only pushing the boundaries of technology but also have the potential to disrupt entire industries. The energy sector is a multi-trillion-dollar market, and the emergence of fusion power could significantly alter the competitive landscape. Research institutions, governments, and investors are taking notice, with significant funding commitments being made to support the development of fusion energy.

The commercialization of fusion power could also have a profound impact on the environment. The production of greenhouse gas emissions is a major contributor to climate change, and the ability to generate clean energy on a massive scale could significantly reduce emissions. This, in turn, could help mitigate the worst effects of climate change, protecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human populations. The potential benefits of fusion power extend beyond the environment, with the ability to improve energy security, reduce energy costs, and enhance economic competitiveness.

The development of fusion power is part of a broader trend towards the commercialization of advanced technologies. The emergence of new energy sources, such as solar and wind power, has driven innovation in the energy sector, with significant investments being made in research and development. The development of fusion power is not a standalone effort but rather part of a larger landscape of clean energy technologies. Other companies, such as Lockheed Martin and General Fusion, are also working on fusion energy projects, representing a multi-pronged approach to developing this technology.