HELION COULD BE ONE OF THE TOP TECH COMPANIES IN THE WORLD IF ALL IS SUCCESSFUL.

big read: Groundbreaking fusion: Helion eyes rural Wash. for world’s first plant despite unproven tech

At the same time that Helion is working toward the planned facility, it’s also still testing its Polaris reactor, a seventh-generation prototype built in Everett that will be the same size as the commercial reactor. The expectation is that any technical difficulties will be overcome with the prototype and Polaris will produce net electricity, demonstrating the viability of Helion’s commercial product.

Again, this would be a monumental, whopper of a scientific accomplishment. Yet Bugert is optimistic it’s within reach.

“We’re still on track,” he said, “for demonstrating electricity from fusion as soon as this year.”