Could well be a stunt, as the article doesn't say exactly HOW MUCH the penalties were, nor exactly how they would be triggered. On the other hand, SpaceX started as a stunt, of sorts. -F
Microsoft Bets That Fusion Power Is Closer Than Many Think (wsj.com)
Posted by msmash on Wednesday May 10, 2023 @05:20PM from the how-about-that dept.
Many experts believe fusion power remains decades away. Microsoft thinks it could be just around the corner. From a report:
In a deal that is believed to be the first commercial agreement for fusion power, the tech giant has agreed to purchase electricity from startup Helion Energy within about five years. Helion, which is backed by OpenAI founder Sam Altman, committed to start producing electricity through fusion by 2028 and target power generation for Microsoft of at least 50 megawatts after a year or pay financial penalties. The commitment is a bold one given that neither Helion nor anyone else in the world has yet produced electricity from fusion. "We wouldn't enter into this agreement if we were not optimistic that engineering advances are gaining momentum," said Microsoft President Brad Smith.
Fusion powers the sun and stars, and has the potential to provide nearly limitless amounts of carbon-free power if someone can harness it on earth. The International Atomic Energy Agency expects electricity from fusion to be produced in the second half of the century. Helion is building a prototype that it says will demonstrate the ability to produce electricity through fusion next year. "The goal is not to make the world's coolest technology demo," Mr. Altman said in an interview. "The goal is to power the world and to do it extremely cheaply." Mr. Altman, the chief executive officer of OpenAI -- the artificial-intelligence startup behind the viral chatbot ChatGPT -- said having a first customer is critical for keeping Helion grounded in the realities of business, including working with clients, utilities and electric-grid operators.
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