MADISON, Wis. — Fusion energy startup Realta Fusion announced Wednesday it will establish its corporate headquarters and next-generation research and development facility at the former Oscar Mayer plant in Madison, a move expected to bring more than 600 jobs to Wisconsin.
The Madison-based company will redevelop more than 200,000 square feet of vacant space at OM Station, creating offices, manufacturing operations, and research facilities as it continues developing fusion energy technology.
Governor Tony Evers called the project another step toward making Wisconsin a leader in carbon-free energy innovation.
“Fusion energy is not only good for our planet and our power grid, but it plays to all of our strengths as a state with our world-class research universities, research laboratories, and an incredible manufacturing and supply chain network,” Evers said.
Realta CEO Kieran Furlong said the company considered sites across the country before deciding to remain in Wisconsin.
“We spent the better part of the past two years scouring the countryside to find the most favorable business environment and the most attractive site to build our R&D facility, and we found it in our own backyard,” said Furlong.
The company plans to break ground on its new research center, known as The Realta Forge, later this year. The facility will be used to develop the company’s prototype magnetic mirror fusion machine, called Hammir.
State officials say Wisconsin is well-positioned to become a national hub for fusion energy thanks to research at UW–Madison, which has already helped launch three fusion companies: Realta, SHINE Technologies, and Type One Energy.
Industry experts estimate the global fusion energy market could grow to $1 trillion by 2050, making it one of the fastest-growing emerging technology sectors.
