David Kirtley
David Kirtley is the Founder and CEO of Helion Energy, a privately funded fusion electricity company. He previously held research and engineering roles at Air Force Research Laboratory, MSNW, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Red River Engineering.
Helion Energy to Provide Fusion Power to Microsoft Data Center by 2028 Amid $1.5B Funding; Zap Energy Raises $330M with DOE Support
Helion Energy, with $1.5 billion raised, will supply fusion-generated electricity to Microsoft's Central Washington data center by 2028, while rival Zap Energy, backed by $330 million and the U.S. Department of Energy, is also exploring nuclear fission. These moves reflect the urgent demand for power in AI data centers exceeding current grid capacity and the strategic hedging against fusion timeline risks.
Fusion energy: Wishing upon a star in a jar — Introducing 'Positive Charge' from GeekWire
This week on the show, we're sharing the debut of Positive Charge, a new GeekWire podcast from reporter Lisa Stiffler and producer Laura Scott about the innovations that could help save the planet. In this episode, they dig into the high-stakes race to harness the power of the sun and make fusion energy real, visiting two Seattle-area startups chasing this dream, and asking whether limitless clean power is finally within reach. Also out this week: their debut episode on the "forever chemicals" in our water and the companies figuring out how to destroy them. Follow Positive Charge wherever you get…
Helion Energy Secures World’s First Regulatory Licenses for 50-Megawatt Fusion Power Plant in Washington
Helion Energy became the first company globally to receive regulatory licenses for a fusion power plant, securing critical Radioactive Materials and Air Emissions Licenses for its 50-megawatt fusion facility in Washington. This milestone advances Helion’s efforts to commercialize clean fusion energy, with plans to supply electricity by 2028 following a deal with Microsoft.
By David
Helion Appoints Savanna Thompson as Chief Business Operations Officer to Lead Scaling Efforts Amid Fusion Power Deployment
Savanna Thompson has been appointed as Helion's new Chief Business Operations Officer to support the company's transition from building fusion machines to deploying fusion power plants by scaling teams and infrastructure.
Helion Appoints Savanna Thompson as Chief Business Operations Officer Amid Shift to Fusion Power Plant Deployment
Savanna Thompson has been appointed as the new Chief Business Operations Officer at Helion, reflecting the company's shift from building fusion machines to deploying fusion power plants. Her steady leadership over the past three years has been key in advancing Helion's day-to-day operations and scaling its teams and systems.
Organizations
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YPO Member 2023–present · current
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Helion Energy Founder and CEO 2010–present, Co-founder and CEO · current
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MSNW Principle Investigator and Fusion Lead 2011–2017, Propulsion Lead 2008–2017 · past
Education
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Y Combinator 2014
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University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School PhD, Aerospace Engineering · 2003–2008
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University of Michigan Master's degree, Nuclear Engineering · 2003–2005
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University of Michigan Master's degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering · 2003–2005
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University of Michigan BS, Aerospace Engineering · 1999–2001
