Over the past few years, fusion power has transformed from a joke to a tantalising reality. Driven by advances in computing and AI, startups are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, aiming to harness the sun's power for Earth.

This year alone, Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) raised $863 million, setting it on course as the frontrunner. CFS is building a tokamak reactor named Sparc, expected to be operational by 2027, with plans to construct a commercial plant capable of producing 400 megawatts near Richmond, Virginia.

TAE Technologies, founded in 1998 and now valued at $6 billion post-merger, uses a field-reversed configuration. While its timeline is uncertain, the company’s innovative approach could offer a viable solution to the energy crisis.

Helion Energy has the most ambitious plan of all, aiming to produce electricity by 2028 for Microsoft. Helion's reactor design is unique, using a combination of plasma and magnetic fields to induce fusion, making it an exciting contender in this race.