Energy startup to build nuclear fusion plant in Chesterfield

The plant is tentatively scheduled to open in the early 2030s, and will create enough power for 150,000 homes. (Commonwealth Fusion Systems)

A Massachusetts startup announced its plans to build the first commercial-scale nuclear fusion power plant in Chesterfield.

Current nuclear plants operate off of fission technology, which breaks the atoms apart. Fusion technology sticks atoms together, and has long been considered a holy grail of energy production.

Commonwealth Fusion Systems announced its intention to build at the James River Industrial Park, near Chester.

Dominion Energy, which owns the site, will partner with CFS in the effort, which will take shape into the next decade. The power generated will at first be sold to commercial customers.

“This is a historic moment. In the early 2030s, all eyes will be on the Richmond region and more specifically Chesterfield County, Virginia, as the birthplace of commercial fusion energy,” said Bob Mumgaard, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, in a press release. “Virginia emerged as a strong partner as they look to implement innovative solutions for both reliable electricity and clean forms of power. We are pleased to collaborate with Dominion Energy.”

Once operational, the plant will generate about 400 megawatts of electricity — enough energy to power large industrial sites or about 150,000 homes, according to the company.

The company said the technology is safe.

"With fusion energy, there’s no possibility of runaway chain reactions or meltdowns, and there’s no long-lived, highly radioactive waste like that from nuclear fission," CFS wrote in a press release.