Polaris
Helion's seventh-generation FRC experiment began operating in late 2024 and reported D–T fusion and 150 million °C in 2026. Its current objective is to demonstrate direct recovery of fusion-derived electricity.
Read the Japanese original
Project profile
Research results, fusion power, net electricity generation and commercialization are distinguished. Future operating dates and power levels are targets announced by the operator.
- Official name
- Polaris
- Operator
- Helion
- Operator type
- Private company
- Host country
- United States
- Host location
- Everett, Washington, United States
- Category
- Research device
- Technical approach
- FRC・Pulsed magnetic compression・Direct energy conversion
- Development stage
- Research operation
Development stage note: Development or operating stage reported in published sources; this does not guarantee the machine's operating status on the verification date.
Research and development objectives
Test FRC plasma performance with multiple fuels and demonstrate recovery of fusion-derived energy as electricity.
Verified milestones
- 2024 · Achievement or implementation verified
Operation began at year-end.
- 2026-02-13 · Achievement or implementation verified
D–T fusion and a plasma temperature of 150 million °C announced.
Announced future targets
- Target date not verified · Announced target (not achieved)
Demonstrate recovery and storage in capacitor banks of electricity generated by fusion-driven plasma expansion.
Published technical specifications
| Item | Published value | Meaning, conditions and sources of values |
|---|---|---|
| Overall length | 19 m | Design specification |
| Maximum magnetic field | more than 15 T | Design specification |
| Plasma temperature | 150000000 ℃ | Achieved value reported by the company on 13 February 2026 |
Companies with verified involvement
- Helion Energy (Japanese)：Operator / developer
Related in-depth FI articles
No existing article focused on this project has been verified.
Verification scope and classification notes
- The official timeline identifies Everett as the Polaris construction location.
- Editorial classification of the purpose described in official sources; not necessarily the operator's formal classification.
- Matched to existing public company IDs. Roles are limited to those supported by the cited official sources.
- No item was verified in this review. This does not establish that none exists or that it is undisclosed.
- The current FAQ explicitly revises the earlier wording “net electricity.” Demonstrating recovery of fusion-derived electricity is distinct from net electrical gain of the whole machine.
- Achieved values, design values and targets are distinguished in the basis field.
Official project information ↗
- Polaris（Helion）
Verified: 2026-10-12 - Helion Achieves New Industry-First Fusion Energy Milestones（Helion）
Announced: 2026-02-13 ／ Verified: 2026-10-12 - About Helion（Helion）
Verified: 2026-10-12
Last verified: 2026/10/12 20:22:07 (Japan time)
Research and development purpose
Test FRC plasma performance with multiple fuels and demonstrate recovery of fusion-derived energy as electricity.
Research stages, achievements, announced targets and technical specifications are organized in the project profile above. Check the sources for each item.
Official information from related companies and research institutions
Check each organization’s announcements for development progress and technical documentation.