Xcimer Energy Showcases Laser Fusion Breakthroughs with U.S. Energy Leadership in Denver

Xcimer Energy Inc. received a high-profile visit from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and U.S. Representative Gabe Evans of Colorado at its Denver facility, marking a significant endorsement of the company’s commercial laser fusion ambitions. The briefing, which also included Dr. Tony Frank, Chancellor of the Colorado State University System, highlighted the company’s accelerating progress toward bringing fusion technology from laboratory demonstration to grid-scale power generation.

Prototype System Advances on Track

The timing of the visit underscores a critical milestone for the Denver-based company. Just days prior, Xcimer initiated operational testing of what stands as the most powerful KrF laser constructed this century. This optical powerhouse serves as the energy source for “Phoenix,” the company’s prototype pulse compression system designed to generate the laser pulses required to achieve inertial fusion ignition.

According to Xcimer Energy Co-founder and CEO Conner Galloway, the Phoenix prototype will reach full operational status during the first half of 2026. The project remains aligned with both its schedule and budget parameters, demonstrating disciplined program execution.

Engineering Breakeven on the Horizon

Beyond Phoenix, Xcimer has advanced its vision for Vulcan, the next-generation laser fusion facility intended to push the boundaries of what’s possible in fusion science. Vulcan is engineered to deliver up to 12 megajoules (MJ) of laser energy — the highest ever produced — making use of the world’s most capable laser amplification systems. The facility is positioned to achieve engineering breakeven from fusion reactions in 2031, a watershed moment for the technology and for American energy innovation.

A Competitive Multistate Search

Xcimer’s leadership is currently evaluating multiple locations to host Vulcan, with site selection efforts spanning Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, California, and additional states. Communities and utility partners nationwide have submitted competitive proposals, recognizing the transformative potential of the facility. Beyond direct employment of physicists, technicians, and specialized staff, hosting Vulcan would catalyze infrastructure development, workforce training initiatives, and attraction of adjacent high-technology sectors including data centers, robotics manufacturing, and advanced research institutions.

Policy Support and Strategic Vision

Secretary Wright emphasized the national importance of the initiative: “Fusion on our energy grid will unleash America’s full potential and help power the industries of the future. Xcimer shows how America’s private sector can build on our nation’s unique public-sector breakthroughs and commercialize them.”

Representative Evans reinforced the strategic dimension: “Energy dominance is essential for national security and economic strength. Xcimer is leading the nation and world in clean and safe nuclear fusion technology.”

Why Laser Fusion Leads

Laser fusion remains the singular fusion approach that has been scientifically proven to generate energy output exceeding input requirements. Historical achievements include 1988 experiments at the Nevada test site and, most significantly, the National Ignition Facility’s scientific breakeven demonstration in December 2022. By licensing proven physics with novel laser architectures that dramatically reduce costs compared to traditional solid-state systems, Xcimer accelerates a pathway to commercial viability.

Founded in 2022 by MIT-trained plasma physicists Conner Galloway and Alexander Valys — both former Los Alamos National Lab researchers — the company now employs over 150 professionals, headquartered in Denver with manufacturing operations in Tucson, Arizona. Backed by leading climate technology investors and designated for U.S. Department of Energy funding, Xcimer is positioning fusion as humanity’s next essential energy platform.