Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has announced plans to construct the world’s first commercial fusion energy power plant, named ARC, in Chesterfield County, Virginia.
This groundbreaking project, which aims to harness nuclear fusion—the process that powers the stars—was unveiled on December 17, 2024. The facility will be built at Dominion Energy’s James River Industrial Complex and is expected to begin operations in the early 2030s.
The plant will be situated at a site owned by Dominion Energy Virginia, which will provide non-financial support including development expertise and leasing rights. CFS conducted a global search to identify this optimal location for its first commercial fusion power plant.
CFS plans to invest several billion dollars into the project, which is anticipated to create hundreds of jobs during both construction and operation phases. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasized the historical significance of this development for the state and the world, stating it represents a pivotal moment in energy innovation.
Once operational, ARC is projected to generate approximately 400 megawatts of electricity—enough to power around 150,000 homes. This capacity positions it as a significant contributor to clean energy generation in the region.
The construction of ARC follows CFS’s ongoing development of its fusion demonstration machine, SPARC, expected to produce its first plasma by 2026. This technology aims to demonstrate a commercially viable fusion design that generates more energy than it consumes.
CFS envisions ARC as the first in a series of commercial fusion plants that could reshape energy production globally. The project aligns with increasing demands for reliable, carbon-free power sources and is seen as a vital step toward achieving sustainable energy solutions.