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Pacific Fusion has broken ground on its $1 billion nuclear fusion research facility in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Consequently, the California-headquartered company will house its Demonstration System at the Mesa del Sol site. The ambitious Pacific Fusion New Mexico facility targets net facility gain by 2030, producing more energy than initially stored. Meanwhile, this marks a critical milestone toward commercial fusion power deployment in the United States.

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on 26 August, with Pacific Fusion and the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration present. Specifically, both parties signed a memorandum of understanding to explore collaboration opportunities. The Pacific Fusion New Mexico facility will produce fusion output bursts exceeding 100 megajoules. Therefore, it becomes the only “high-yield” fusion facility currently under construction in the USA.

Another major nuclear project is the EAGL-1 nuclear reactor project that entered crucial US regulatory phase as its 240-MW advanced reactor moves toward construction. First American Nuclear (FANCO) submitted a Regulatory Engagement Plan to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The filing formally opened pre-application engagement for the lead-bismuth-cooled fast-spectrum small modular reactor.

Outlook on the Nuclear Fusion Research Facility in New Mexico

High-yield fusion capability creates conditions relevant to critical national security research programs. Furthermore, it provides a platform for science required to maintain the US nuclear stockpile without explosive testing. The NNSA collaboration covers high-energy-density science, pulsed-power technologies, and advanced materials modeling.

Pacific Fusion develops pulser-driven inertial fusion systems using modular, mass-manufacturable components from readily available materials. Additionally, the company advances decades of US government investment at Lawrence Livermore, Sandia, and Los Alamos national laboratories. The company was founded in 2023 and is now scaling production rapidly.

Economic Impact Brings 200+ Permanent Jobs to New Mexico

The Research and Manufacturing Campus will create over 200 long-term jobs in New Mexico. Moreover, hundreds of additional construction positions will support the build-out phase. Pacific Fusion is simultaneously expanding manufacturing operations in nearby Los Lunas for modular pulsed-power components. “America pioneered the breakthroughs that brought fusion within reach,” said Keith LeChien, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer.

Project Overview

• Project Value: $1 Billion
• Location: Mesa del Sol, Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Developer: Pacific Fusion (California-headquartered)
• Partner: US Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration
• Status: Groundbreaking held 26 August 2026

Scope

• Research and Manufacturing Campus construction
• Demonstration System targeting net facility gain by 2030
• High-yield fusion facility producing 100+ megajoule bursts
• Manufacturing operations expansion in Los Lunas

Project Highlights

• Only high-yield fusion facility under construction in USA
• First facility designed to achieve net facility gain
• Advances decades of US national laboratory fusion research
• Uses modular, mass-manufacturable components from available materials

Key Developments

• MoU signed with NNSA for national security collaboration
• Groundbreaking ceremony held 26 August 2026
• Next milestone: full-scale pulser module demonstration
• Expanding beyond initial California operations base

Key Challenges

• Achieving net facility gain by 2030 target date
• Scaling production of modular pulsed-power technology
• Building workforce development programs in New Mexico
• Competing globally to establish fusion manufacturing leadership

Outlook

• Creates 200+ long-term jobs plus hundreds of construction positions
• Establishes foundation for broader fusion manufacturing industry
• Supports US nuclear stockpile maintenance without explosive testing
• Positions America to lead commercial fusion energy deployment