Zap Energy has announced plans to pursue both fusion energy and fission, becoming the first fusion company to add traditional nuclear power development to its line-up in an attempt to diversify revenue streams.

The company, which is headquartered in Everett, Washington, with additional research facilities in the nearby Seattle area, has recruited talent from TerraPower, the Bill Gates-backed fission company that has begun work in its first small modular reactor in Wyoming.

The new fusion and fission programme will build on technical overlaps in areas like materials, liquid metals and neutron environments.

The company said is aiming for a commercial fission product by the early 2030s while continuing development of its fusion machines.