Fusion Energy on the Grid: Insights from CFS and Helion

During the TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 event, Brandon Sorbom from Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) and David Kirtley from Helion presented at the Smart Systems Stage. They discussed key breakthroughs in fusion technology and the challenges that still need to be overcome to deliver fusion power on a large scale to the electricity grid.

The speakers emphasized that while significant progress has been made in the development of fusion energy, various obstacles remain. These range from technical challenges to financial and regulatory issues, all of which impact the pace at which fusion energy can be integrated into our energy grid.

The need for sustainable and reliable energy sources is growing, and both CFS and Helion believe that fusion energy can play a crucial role in the energy transition. They shared their vision of what is needed to make fusion power not just a theoretical concept, but a practical solution that contributes to global energy needs.

To evaluate the feasibility of fusion energy, collaboration among companies, governments, and research institutions is crucial. The speakers encouraged a broader discussion about the role of fusion energy in the future and the necessity for a collective effort to make this technology a success.

Read the full article from Techcrunch.