Realta Fusion and Madison Gas and Electric (MGE) have announced a strategic partnership to explore the joint development of a 200-megawatt electric (MWe) fusion energy power plant in Wisconsin. MGE Energy has made a direct equity investment in Realta and will provide equipment, engineering, and technical support, as well as assistance with siting, permitting, interconnection, and financing for the proposed plant.
"Our agreement with MGE to explore the opportunity to build out a fusion power plant is a clear signal that fusion’s time is coming," said Realta CEO Kieran Furlong. "Fusion energy will be the ultimate source for zero-carbon electricity for humanity’s growing needs, and now we have a forward-thinking partner in MGE ready to help us make fusion real."
A future fusion power plant in Wisconsin would be a first-of-its-kind investment in next-generation carbon-free energy technology and would advance MGE’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon electricity.
"At MGE, we’ve long believed that achieving a net-zero carbon future requires innovation, partnerships and a willingness to explore emerging technologies," said MGE Chairman, President, and CEO Jeff Keebler. "Realta is developing a promising fusion technology right here in Madison, and this collaboration reflects our commitment to exploring emerging technologies that have the potential to deliver reliable, around-the-clock carbon-free energy for our customers and communities."
The partnership deepens existing ties between Realta and MGE. Realta recently announced plans to lease approximately 250,000 square feet of office and industrial space for its research and development facility, The Realta Forge, located at OM Station in MGE’s service territory.
MGE has committed to net-zero carbon electricity by 2050 and is investing in carbon-free energy generation as part of its strategy for sustainable energy.
About Realta Fusion Realta Fusion is developing compact, scalable, modular – CoSMo fusion™ energy systems based on the magnetic mirror fusion concept. The company is backed by Khosla Ventures and Future Ventures and is part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program. Realta was also selected as one of the World Economic Forum’s Technology Pioneers in 2026. Realta is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and operates the Wisconsin HTS Axisymmetric experimental fusion machine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Physical Sciences Laboratory.
About Madison Gas and Electric MGE generates and distributes electricity to 170,000 customers in Dane County, Wis., and purchases and distributes natural gas to 180,000 customers in seven south-central and western Wisconsin counties. MGE’s parent company is MGE Energy, Inc. The company has roots in the Madison area dating back over 150 years.
