Realta Fusion and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) announced a partnership to explore the development of a 200-megawatt electric fusion power plant in Wisconsin.

Realta Fusion is a big name in magnetic mirror fusion energy. Now they have financial backing from MGE Energy, Inc., MGE’s parent company, which made a direct equity investment to kick off the first phase of this partnership.

MGE is also stepping up to provide engineering, equipment, and technical support to help Realta determine the complex details, such as finding a site, obtaining permits, securing financing, and connecting to the grid.

“Our agreement with MGE to explore the opportunity to build out a fusion power plant is a clear signal that fusion’s time is coming,” said Realta CEO Kieran Furlong. “Fusion energy will be the ultimate source for zero-carbon electricity for humanity’s growing needs, and now we have a forward-thinking partner in MGE ready to help us make fusion real.”

Setting Up the Fusion Facility

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The two companies are already familiar with each other. Realta recently announced it plans to lease about 250,000 square feet of industrial and office space for a new research and development facility called The Realta Forge. It will sit at OM Station, which is the former site of the old Oscar Mayer plant and headquarters.

Pushing for Net-Zero

The fusion research facility, OM Station, that the two companies have partnered on prior; Photo: Realta Fusion

MGE has made cutting carbon emissions a priority. Back in 2019, it was one of the first utility companies in the United States to commit to hitting net-zero carbon electricity by 2050. The company is making ongoing investments in carbon-free generation to make sure future energy is safe, reliable, sustainable, and affordable.

“At MGE, we’ve long believed that achieving a net-zero carbon future requires innovation, partnerships and a willingness to explore emerging technologies,” said MGE Chairman, President, and CEO Jeff Keebler. “Realta is developing a promising fusion technology right here in Madison, and this collaboration reflects our commitment to exploring emerging technologies that have the potential to deliver reliable, around-the-clock carbon-free energy for our customers and communities.”