Zap's FuZE-Q device is being used to develop a compact power source based on sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch fusion.
Supporting the continued development of fusion energy in the state of Washington, yesterday Governor Jay Inslee signed House Bill 1924, “An act relating to promoting the integration of fusion technology within state clean energy policies.” In doing so, Washington joins a short list of states formally recognizing fusion as a potential source of sustainable, carbon-free energy and providing incentives tied to its development that align with other clean energy technologies like wind and solar.
“Most people recognize the importance of developing new clean energy technologies and their role in bringing down energy prices, building a competitive economy and meeting emissions goals. Unfortunately, when legislating about clean energy technologies, fusion often gets left off the list,” notes Ryan Umstattd, Zap’s VP of Product & Partnerships.
“This bill is more than a gesture; it requires Washington to include fusion in the state’s energy strategy and provides fusion companies benefits like streamlining aspects of siting power plants. I’m excited that Washington state is taking these actions now to pave the way for our technologies to continue their development at speed.”
Washington, one of the world’s hubs of fusion energy development, becomes the third state that has specifically recognized fusion as a clean or renewable energy technology, following bills passed in October 2023 in North Carolina and California.
While the specifics of fusion technologies vary, none emit greenhouse gases or the other chemical pollutants that arise when burning fossil fuels. Fusion is not a chain reaction so power plants cannot melt down, its fuels are abundant, and its safety and environmental benefits over existing energy technologies are one of the main motivations for its development.
The bill was sponsored by State Representatives Clyde Shavers (D-Clinton), Cindy Ryu (D-Shoreline), Stephanie Barnard (R-Pasco), Chris Stearns (D-Auburn) and Sharon Wylie (D-Vancouver). After passing both the Washington House and Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support, the bill was signed into law by Washington Governor Jay Inslee on March 28, 2024.
About Zap Energy
Zap Energy is building a low-cost, compact and scalable fusion energy platform that confines and compresses plasma without the need for expensive and complex magnetic coils. Zap’s sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch technology provides compelling fusion economics and requires orders of magnitude less capital than conventional approaches. Zap Energy has over one hundred team members in two facilities near Seattle and is backed by leading financial and strategic investors. Visit Zap online at zapenergy.com.
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