Today's Article

A new kind of energy system may be coming to the 2Commonwealth. Commonwealth Fusion Systems, a startup, is planning to build the world's first 3commercial 4fusion power plant in Chesterfield, set to be 5constructed on Dominion Energy's 6pre-existing site at the James River Industrial Complex.

"And we'7re just thrilled they chose to do it in Virginia. I literally had to 8pinch myself today."

So what is fusion energy?

"Fusion is what powers the stars, and we are basically trying to build a star here on Earth and use it to make electricity. So in fusion, you take small 9atoms like 10hydrogen, you combine them together to form bigger atoms like 11helium, and that 12releases a bunch of energy. And we'll take that energy, use it to make electricity and then use that electricity to power anything that you want."

Those behind the project say it's safe since the fusion process will stop automatically if 13exposed to air. All of that happening in this doughnut-shaped machine using magnets will produce 400 megawatts of net electricity, which could power 14roughly 150,000 homes in the region for 20 years or more. 

Youngkin says that's why it comes at a perfect time.

"We have more people moving here than moving away for the first time in 10 years. The state is growing. We need more power, and this is part of the solution."

The state and Chesterfield County are investing about $2 million total into the project, and Chesterfield County plans to invest an additional $10 million for long-term 15advancement.