Pacific Fusion, a company specializing in fusion energy, has chosen New Mexico for its first Research and Manufacturing Campus. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the $1 billion project, which will be located at Mesa del Sol in Albuquerque. The facility is expected to position New Mexico as a leader in the growing fusion energy industry.
Fusion energy, which mimics the process powering the sun and stars, has long been viewed as a potential source of clean and abundant power. Pacific Fusion’s new campus will house its Demonstration System, aiming to achieve net facility gain—producing more energy from fusion than it consumes—by 2030.
Governor Lujan Grisham stated, “Pacific Fusion’s decision to build in New Mexico proves that our state can compete—and win—in the race to attract the most innovative companies in the world. This project will create good jobs, expand our clean-tech economy, and ensure New Mexico continues to lead in the industries of the future.”
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said, “After years of working to build Albuquerque as a hub for energy technology innovation, Pacific Fusion joins a growing number of companies that are choosing our city to literally ‘power’ our future. Today is proof of the assertion that we have passed a turning point—that our city is not only on the map, but can define the next chapter of clean-energy innovation.”
Founded in 2023, Pacific Fusion builds on decades of research conducted at Sandia National Laboratories and leverages New Mexico’s expertise in applied physics and clean technology. The state’s workforce and established ecosystem were key factors in Pacific Fusion's site selection.
Keith LeChien, co-founder and chief technology officer of Pacific Fusion, said, “We’re excited to expand our operations to New Mexico for many reasons, chief among them the close partnership we’ve developed with state and local leadership, who have made this project possible. Working alongside the Governor’s office, the Economic Development Department, the City of Albuquerque, key legislators from both parties, and the national labs, we’ve built true partnerships over the past several months. That collaboration gives us confidence that together we’ll be able to move quickly to deliver on the promise of low-cost fusion power.”
The project is expected to create more than 200 long-term jobs along with hundreds of construction positions. It also aims to support workforce development programs and stimulate regional economic activity.
Rob Black, Cabinet Secretary for Economic Development Department said: “This is a groundbreaking project that puts New Mexico at the forefront of fusion energy. Welcoming a world-class company like this into our state opens the door to an entirely new era of clean energy innovation. It means thousands of potential future jobs, a new supply chain, and the opportunity to cement our state’s leadership in clean technology for decades to come.”
Pacific Fusion has raised over $900 million from investors including General Catalyst and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. According to Jon Clark from New Mexico State Investment Council (SIC), strategic investments by SIC since June have helped attract companies like Pacific Fusion by supporting venture capital funds focused on science startups.
“The State Investment Council has strategically committed $1 billion since just June to top-tier venture capital funds investing in New Mexico’s booming start-up and hard-science ecosystem,” said Clark. “By partnering with proven VCs like Lowercarbon, Lightspeed and UP.Partners – all key backers of Pacific Fusion’s technology – we are creating momentum and opportunity that will help position New Mexico as an emerging leader in a cutting-edge industry,”
While headquartered in Northern California where its other facilities are located, Pacific Fusion's new campus will focus solely on research and manufacturing rather than electricity generation.
State Senator Michael Padilla commented: “New Mexico is on the brink of an economic development surge that will demand more energy than ever. Fusion power offers a meaningful solution to help meet that growing demand, and Pacific Fusion’s investment here shows that New Mexico will be a leader in delivering it.”
Representative Meredith Dixon added: “Pacific Fusion’s decision to locate in Albuquerque represents a historic investment in our state’s future. This project will bring high-quality jobs, educational partnerships, and economic opportunities while helping New Mexico take a leading role in building the carbon-free energy economy.”
City Councilor Nichole Rogers stated: “We are excited about Pacific Fusion coming to Mesa Del Sol where innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand… As plans develop we remain focused on ensuring this facility reflects highest safety sustainability community integration standards.”
Chad Matheson from Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance noted: “AREA has enjoyed helping company identify right location connecting them with key regional partners throughout site selection process… We look forward seeing Albuquerque be fusion capital world.”
The expansion includes performance-based incentives from state and local governments contingent upon job creation targets being met. Construction is set for 2026 with manufacturing operations starting before year-end 2025; hiring efforts have already begun.
