Google and Chevron Back TAE Technologies as It Nears Fusion Power Breakthrough

Fusion energy just took a major step closer to reality. TAE Technologies, a pioneer in commercial fusion power, has raised over $150 million in its latest funding round, surpassing expectations. Major names like Chevron, Google, and NEA contributed to the raise, joining both new and returning investors who see serious promise in TAE’s unique fusion approach.

The company announced that this fresh funding pushes the company’s total equity raised to more than $1.3 billion since it began operations in 1998.

TAE’s momentum sends a strong message: clean fusion energy is no longer just a futuristic idea. It’s shaping up to be a real-world solution.

TAE Technologies’ Fusion Breakthrough

Earlier this year, TAE achieved a breakthrough that stunned the fusion world. It created stable plasma at temperatures exceeding 70 million degrees Celsius using a simplified experimental setup. That’s even hotter than the core of the sun.

Reaching such temperatures is a critical part of making fusion viable for commercial energy production. TAE named this successful setup “Norm,” and the achievement brought the company one giant step closer to building reactors that can generate net energy.

Fusion Energy: The Holy Grail of Clean Energy

Fusion is often called the holy grail of clean energy! It’s the same process that powers the sun and stars. In fusion, light elements combine under extreme heat and pressure, releasing massive amounts of energy.

Unlike conventional nuclear power, fusion doesn’t involve chain reactions or radioactive waste that sticks around for thousands of years. The process is inherently safe. If anything goes wrong, the reaction simply stops.

Michl Binderbauer, CEO of TAE Technologies, said:

“Fusion has the potential to transform the energy landscape, providing near-limitless clean power at a time when the world’s energy needs are growing exponentially due to the growth of AI and data centers. TAE’s technology uses the soundest physics to deliver superior performance in a compact machine, with attractive economics and best-in-class maintainability. We are leading the charge to develop revolutionary fusion technology for full-scale commercial deployment.”

What Makes TAE’s Fusion Approach Different

TAE isn’t chasing the same fusion model as everyone else. While many companies rely on deuterium-tritium fuel, which creates radioactive waste, TAE is betting on a cleaner path.

Here’s what makes their method unique:

Hydrogen-Boron Fusion (p-B11)

TAE uses hydrogen and boron—also known as proton-boron-11 or p-B11—as fusion fuel. This combination produces three helium atoms and zero radioactive waste. It’s abundant, safe to handle, and doesn’t require the costly cleanup associated with traditional nuclear power.

Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC)

TAE developed a proprietary fusion design called the advanced beam-driven Field-Reversed Configuration (FRC). It uses neutral particle beams to heat and stabilize plasma inside a magnetic field. Unlike tokamaks or lasers, FRC is linear, compact, and modular—perfect for mass production.

This approach allows for easier construction, lower costs, and more flexibility when scaling fusion power around the world.

Built for the Real World

TAE’s fusion reactors can fit with existing energy infrastructure. They work like today’s power plants but without emissions or meltdown risk. Heat from the fusion reaction is used to make steam, spin a turbine, and generate electricity.

The design also allows for modular deployment, so units can be added as needed. This makes it ideal for various geographies and grid setups.

READ MORE: Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ Innovative Magnet Powers Fusion to the Grid

Google’s AI Collaboration Helped Push Fusion Technology Forward

Google has played a central role in TAE’s progress. The tech giant has been working closely with the fusion company since 2014, applying artificial intelligence and machine learning to fine-tune plasma behavior. Google engineers even worked on-site with TAE teams, helping to co-develop key technologies like the Optometrist Algorithm—a tool that dramatically improves the quality and stability of plasma.

This close integration between fusion science and advanced computing has given TAE a unique edge in an industry that often struggles with complexity.

Binderbauer expressed further,

“We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Google, who have not only provided funding to TAE but collaborated closely in research and development over many years. With this latest fundraise, we look forward to accelerating our efforts to deliver commercial fusion power.”

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TAE Fusion Tech Ready to Power Today’s Grid

TAE’s fusion system can connect directly with today’s power grid. Like traditional plants, it uses heat to spin turbines, but instead of burning fossil fuels, it fuses atoms to create clean energy.

The heat from fusion warms the reactor walls. Pipes transfer that heat to a steam generator, which spins a turbine and produces electricity, just like existing infrastructure, but without the emissions.

TAE has steadily advanced its technology, building five powerful demo units and partnering with top scientists. In early 2025, it unveiled a simpler, faster plasma control method, bringing commercial fusion closer than ever.

Copernicus Reactor Aims for Net Energy Breakthrough

With the Norm breakthrough achieved, TAE is now focused on its next big goal—building a fusion machine that creates more energy than it uses. The new device, called Copernicus, is already under construction. If it proves net energy gain, it will be a major step forward for clean energy and one of the most important milestones in fusion history.

Da Vinci Prototype to Supply Clean Power to the Grid

TAE is also working on its first full-scale fusion power plant, called Da Vinci. This prototype will plug directly into the grid and provide clean, reliable electricity with zero carbon emissions.

If everything stays on track, Da Vinci could start running in the early 2030s, bringing fusion power to the real world.

Fusion’s Moment Is Finally Coming

For decades, fusion energy felt like a dream just out of reach. But now, the story is changing. Thanks to breakthroughs like TAE’s, fusion is moving from lab tests to real-world applications. It’s no longer “someday.” It’s “soon.”

Fusion energy isn’t just another clean energy option. It’s something much bigger. It’s safe, limitless, and doesn’t create any harmful waste. If successful, it could completely reshape how the world powers itself—cutting emissions, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and giving countries a stable, homegrown energy source.

Industries where fusion energy will be useful

TAE Technologies is leading the charge. With science, innovation, and a clear plan for the future, the company is turning fusion from fantasy into fact.