Sam Altman-backed fusion startup Helion in talks to sell power to OpenAI

TechCrunch / 3/24/2026

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Key Points

  • Reports say Helion, a fusion startup backed by Sam Altman, is in negotiations to sell 12.5% of its power output to OpenAI.
  • The reported discussions suggest a closer commercial link between a fusion power supplier and an AI compute consumer.
  • Altman is also reported to be stepping down as Helion’s board chair, indicating a governance change alongside the business talks.
  • If finalized, the arrangement could reduce uncertainty around future energy supply for OpenAI’s computing needs and accelerate fusion commercialization milestones.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is stepping down as board chair of Helion. His departure comes as reports that the two companies are negotiating a deal that would see Helion sell 12.5% of its power output to OpenAI.