Pacific Fusion, a commercial fusion energy company, has chosen New Mexico for its first Research and Manufacturing Campus. The announcement was made by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham in Albuquerque. The $1 billion facility will be located at Mesa del Sol and is expected to create more than 200 long-term jobs, as well as hundreds of construction positions and additional regional economic activity.
Governor Lujan Grisham said, “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.”
The new campus will house Pacific Fusion’s Demonstration System. The company aims for this system to achieve net facility gain—producing more energy from a fusion reaction than is used—by 2030. If successful, this would be a major step toward commercial fusion power.
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller commented on the announcement: “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’s move builds on decades of applied physics research at Sandia National Laboratories and leverages New Mexico’s workforce and clean-tech ecosystem.
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.”
Economic Development Department Cabinet Secretary Rob Black stated: “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 secured over $900 million in private investment from various venture capital firms such as General Catalyst and Breakthrough Energy Ventures. The company also cited support from state entities including commitments by the New Mexico State Investment Council which has invested heavily in sectors relevant to start-ups and science-based industries within New Mexico.
Jon Clark from the State Investment Council noted: “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. 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,”
The Albuquerque site represents an expansion beyond Pacific Fusion’s headquarters in Northern California but will focus solely on research and manufacturing rather than power generation.
State Senator Michael Padilla remarked: “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.”
Albuquerque City Councilor Nichole Rogers stated: “We are excited about Pacific Fusion coming to Mesa Del Sol, where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. This project represents a forward-looking investment in clean energy jobs and cutting-edge research aligned with Albuquerque’s commitment to environmental responsibility.”
Chad Matheson from Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance said: “AREA has enjoyed helping the company identify the right location and connecting them with key regional partners throughout the site selection process. This investment represents an exciting step forward for research and development in our region.”
Performance-based incentives from both state and local sources have been pledged; these incentives depend upon job creation targets being met along with substantial capital investments by Pacific Fusion.
Construction on facilities is scheduled for 2026 with hiring already underway; manufacturing operations are expected before year-end.
