(The Center Square) – A Washington bill pre-filed for the 2025 legislative session would add fusion energy centers as among facilities that can receive site certification by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council.
Sponsored by Rep. Clyde Shavers, D-Oka Harbor, House Bill 1018 would add “fusion energy facilities” among those to obtain certification through EFSEC, though the bill states the site “must also secure required licenses and registrations, or equivalent authorizations, for radiation control purposes from designated state or federal agencies.”
The state Department of Commerce describes fusion as the “Holy Grail of the energy industry. With just a few grams of exotic substances, it is possible to produce enough energy for one person for 60 years.”
Created in 1979, EFSEC oversees the permitting process for energy facilities that produce over a certain amount of electricity. Among other facilities that must obtain EFSEC certification include solar and wind farms and energy storage facilities. All certifications must ultimately receive approval from the governor’s office.
EFSEC was tasked last year via House Bill 1924, also sponsored by Shavers, to collaborate with the state Department of Health in forming a work group examining fusion energy production and possible recommended changes to relevant state regulations.
In its December report, EFSEC recommended that the state Legislature clarify the difference between fusion energy and nuclear fission, both in terms of how they produce energy and their environmental impacts. Unlike nuclear reactors, fusion energy facilities cannot “meltdown.”
“Once the energy to a fusion device, also known as a fusion machine, is shut off, the fusion reaction ceases, making the devices much safer and a lower risk than a fission nuclear reactor,” the December report states. “However, fusion power plants will have some residual radioactivity within materials if decommissioned, and this radioactive waste will need to be addressed in the permitting, licensing, and registration process.”
Nevertheless, the report concluded that “the potential of fusion energy production is an exciting prospect for policy makers looking for additional clean energy sources. Fusion is a low risk and high reward technology that can make a difference toward fighting climate change and addressing the increasing demand for clean electricity.”
According to the report, there are currently three companies in Washington state researching fusion energy technology; Helion, Zap Energy, and Avalanche Energy. According to EFSEC, the first fusion energy facility could potentially be built within the next decade. In 2023, Helion signed a power purchase agreement with Microsoft for electricity when the fusion plant is operational.
HB 1018 has not yet been assigned to a committee. The 2025 legislative session begins on Jan. 13.
