OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stepped down from the board of Helion Energy, the fusion power startup he has backed since 2015. The move comes as OpenAI explores a major energy partnership with the company.
Altman cited conflicting roles as the ChatGPT maker advances discussions to purchase electricity from Helion. He will retain a financial stake and recuse himself from negotiations.
Helion CEO David Kirtley praised Altman’s contributions and affirmed ongoing collaboration. Reports indicate OpenAI is in advanced talks to secure up to 50 gigawatts of power by 2035, starting with 5 gigawatts by 2030.
The potential deal reflects a growing race among tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to secure long-term clean energy for AI operations. Helion, founded in 2013, has raised over $1 billion and is valued at $5.4 billion.
A Helion spokesperson confirmed no new customer announcements beyond prior deals with Microsoft and Nucor.