Bill Gates-Backed Type One Energy to Build Fusion Power Plant
Type One Energy, a venture backed by Bill Gates, applied for a license on January 29, 2026, to construct “Infinity One,” a stellarator fusion reactor in Tennessee. The project aims to operate by 2029 at the repurposed Bull Run Fossil Plant, utilizing complex magnetic coils to reach plasma temperatures near 100 million degrees Celsius.
Why choose a stellarator over a tokamak design?
Type One Energy is betting on the stellarator to solve the stability issues that plague the more common tokamak design. While tokamaks use a simpler donut shape, stellarators employ an intricate, twisted arrangement of magnetic coils to confine plasma. According to Popular Mechanics, this complexity allows the reactor to avoid the instabilities that often interrupt the fusion process in tokamak reactors.
The trade-off is engineering difficulty. Stellarators are significantly harder to build due to their non-uniform geometry. However, the team at Type One Energy includes veterans from the Wendelstein 7-X in Germany—the world’s largest stellarator—and the Helically Symmetric Experiment (HSX) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
How does “repurposed energy” accelerate fusion deployment?
The selection of the Bull Run Fossil Plant isn’t accidental. It’s part of a broader trend called “repurposed energy,” where new nuclear or fusion projects take over decommissioned fossil fuel sites. These locations already have the necessary grid connections and industrial zoning, which slashes the time needed for site preparation.
This strategy mirrors another Bill Gates-backed project. TerraPower, a fission-based venture, began non-nuclear construction in June 2024 near a retiring coal plant in Kemmerer, Wyoming. By using existing industrial footprints, these companies bypass some of the most grueling hurdles of land acquisition and infrastructure build-out.
What is the timeline for grid-scale fusion power?
Type One Energy plans to have the Infinity One prototype operational by 2029. While some industry observers are skeptical of a three-year window for a functioning stellarator, the company is planning for a phased expansion. The ultimate goal is the construction of “Infinity Two,” a commercial fusion plant capable of producing 350 MWe.
Christofer Mowry, CEO of Type One Energy, stated in a press release that the company has worked closely with regulators since February 2024. Mowry claims this collaboration makes Tennessee an international model for “safety since the design stage” and transparency in fusion licensing.
Comparing Fusion Approaches: Stellarators vs. Tokamaks
| Feature | Tokamak | Stellarator (Infinity One) |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Symmetric donut | Complex, twisted coils |
| Stability | Prone to disruptions | Inherently more stable |
| Construction | Relatively simpler | Highly complex engineering |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a stellarator?
It is a device that uses complex, twisted magnetic fields to confine hot plasma, enabling nuclear fusion to occur without the stability issues found in traditional tokamak reactors.
Who is funding Type One Energy?
The company is supported by Bill Gates, as part of a broader investment strategy in next-generation carbon-free energy sources.
Why build at the Bull Run Fossil Plant?
Using a decommissioned fossil fuel site provides existing electrical infrastructure and utilizes “repurposed energy” trends to speed up deployment.
When will fusion power reach the grid?
Type One Energy aims to operate its first prototype, Infinity One, by 2029, with a larger 350 MWe plant (Infinity Two) planned for the future.
Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our energy newsletter for the latest updates on the race for infinite clean energy.