News

Why Realta Fusion is building a fusion reactor at an old hot dog factory

Published

4 months ago

July 15, 2026

Realta Fusion has spent the last two years looking for somewhere to build its research and development facility. In the end, it decided the old Oscar Meyer factory in Madison, Wisconsin.

“From sausages to fusion,” Kieran Furlong, co-founder and CEO of Realta Fusion, told TechCrunch with a chuckle. The new center, called Forge, will create its first plasma in 2029, he said. Realta recently showed that it could convert energy from fusion reactions directly into electricity, potentially easing the path to a commercial power plant.

The Oscar Meyer site’s ample power was attractive, as was its proximity to Realta’s existing headquarters in Madison. But what ultimately pushed the startup to stay was bipartisan support from the state’s government, including the governor and the legislature.

“Wisconsin really decided they want to throw their weight behind fusion,” Furlong said.

For the state, the timing could be fortuitous. Fusion power has been on an upswing as demand for electricity surges on the back of economy-wide electrification and proliferating AI data centers. This year alone, fusion power startups have raised over $1.5 billion.

Realta Fusion will receive estimated $55 million in incentives from the state of Wisconsin and the city of Madison. The startup also has deep roots in the city, having been spun out of an experiment at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. And the university graduates a number of talented plasma physicists annually, providing a deep pool of talent. Shine, another fusion company, is located in a nearby suburb.

Realta’s decision to stay in Wisconsin is also surprising given that most fusion startups have located themselves near a national laboratory or on one of the coasts. Another Wisconsin-grown fusion startup, Type One Energy, decamped to Tennessee in 2024.

Since then, Wisconsin has embraced fusion power. Republicans and Democrats supported a sales tax exemption for the fusion industry, which was signed into law in April. That one measure alone will save Realta an estimated $37.5 million, a significant chunk of the total $55 million package. The state is kicking in another $15 million in enterprise zone tax credits, while the city of Madison has offered $2.8 million in tax increment financing.

While other states might have pitched similar amounts, Furlong said that there were other, intangible benefits to remaining in Wisconsin.

“It’s also advantageous to be the state champion,” he said. “We get the attention of people who matter, who can help us, who want to see Realta succeed and want to see Wisconsin be a major hub for fusion.”

When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Related Topics:building dog factory fusion hot reactor Realta

Up Next

FG advocates local cocoa processing to end raw bean export

Don't Miss

Headless Body Found on UNIJOS Farmland Sparks Security Concerns

Click to comment

News

Oshoala Scores as Al Hilal Cruise to 4-0 Away Victory Over NEOM

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala was on target as Al Hilal produced an impressive 4-0 away victory over NEOM, with fellow Nigerian international Christy Ucheibe also featuring in the convincing performance.

Sports247 reports that Oshoala continued her contribution to Al Hilal’s attacking campaign by finding the back of the net in the 65th minute, helping the visitors strengthen their advantage in a dominant display.

The Nigerian forward’s goal came during an impressive second-half performance from Al Hilal, who added three goals after the interval to complete a comprehensive victory.

Moroccan forward Ibtissam Jraidi opened the scoring in the 11th minute, giving Al Hilal an early advantage before the teams went into the break.

Oshoala doubled the visitors’ lead in the 65th minute before Manar Al-Anzi made it 3-0 just four minutes later.

Jraidi then completed her brace in the 88th minute, sealing the emphatic 4-0 result for Al Hilal.

Christy Ucheibe, Oshoala’s Super Falcons teammate, also played a part in the victory as the Nigerian duo continued to make their contributions to the Saudi Arabian club.

The result represents another important outing for Al Hilal, with the team’s attacking quality evident in the performance against NEOM.

For Oshoala, the goal provides another opportunity to demonstrate her goalscoring ability and importance at club level. The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year remains one of Nigeria’s most recognisable football exports, and her performances continue to attract attention.

The presence of both Oshoala and Ucheibe in Al Hilal’s squad also highlights the growing influence of Nigerian players in women’s football outside the country.

With the emphatic away victory secured, Al Hilal will look to build on the performance in their subsequent fixtures.

News

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE: PUBLIC VOTING OPENS FOR PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD

Published

2 hours ago

November 6, 2026

PlateauReports

2cd895f8 d059 4ca7 9aeb 518228aff549.jpeg

VOTING IS NOW OPEN!

The nominations have been received, the nominees have been unveiled, and now it’s your turn to make your voice count!

Voting for PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD is officially open and runs until 14 November 2026.

This is your opportunity to vote for the individuals and organisations whose leadership, service, achievements and contributions have made a meaningful difference in Plateau State.

Know a nominee whose work deserves recognition? Cast your vote and show your support.

Public voting is an important part of the PMYA recognition process. While public votes contribute to the assessment, popularity alone does not determine the final outcome. Final selections remain subject to independent judging and final adjudication.

Voting Period: 5–14 November 2026

For voting guidelines and full participation visit; https://pmya.coamedia.com.ng/vote/

CAST YOUR VOTE. SUPPORT MERIT. LET IMPACT SPEAK.

PMYA @12 — THE STANDARD
Leadership Beyond Politics: Building a Legacy for Future Generations.

NOMINATE | SPONSOR | EXHIBIT | PARTICIPATE