First Infinity reactor scheduled for commissioning and startup in 2029
A US fusion energy developer backed by Bill Gates has submitted the initial licensing application in preparation for the construction of a fusion power plant at Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) former Bull Run fossil plant site in Clinton, Tennessee.
Type One Energy said it worked closely with TVA and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) to prepare the “first-of-a-kind” application for a byproduct material licence, demonstrating compliance with key licensing requirements for fusion energy technology as part of a comprehensive application process.
A byproduct materials licence authorises the possession, use and transfer of radioactive materials produced by nuclear energy.
TDEC commissioner David Salyers said the application “lays the groundwork for subsequent submissions” and is a byproduct of the collaboration between fusion energy companies like Type One Energy and the TDEC.
Type One Energy was established in 2019 and is backed by venture capital. Recent reports in the US said the company recently raised $87m (€73m). The new funding brings the total venture investment in the startup to more than $160m. Type One is also reported to be in the midst of raising a $250m Series B funding.
The company signed a series of agreements in 2025 to accelerate development of its stellarator fusion technology. Unlike conventional tokamak fusion reactors, which confine plasma using a combination of external magnets and large electrical currents running through the plasma itself, stellarators rely entirely on complex three-dimensional magnetic coils. This design avoids the instabilities linked to tokamak current drive and enables more stable, steady-state operation, though it is more difficult to engineer, according to the Science magazine.
Last year, Type One signed deals with the TVA to place the startup’s first commercial power plant at the site of the former Bull Run Fossil Plant, a coal-fired power plant that was retired in 2023.
The Bull Run project, known as Project Infinity encompasses the Infinity One prototype and workforce training centre together with the 350 MW Infinity Two fusion power plant. The project will proceed in several phases. The first phase, deployment of Infinity One operated by Type One Energy, is scheduled for commissioning and startup in 2029.
TVA recently issued Type One Energy a letter of intent to develop and build the Infinity Two commercial fusion power plant with construction starting as early as 2028, pending final completion of development activities and receipt of approvals.
