Zap Energy Pivots From Fusion to Also Develop Nuclear Fission Reactors

Fusion power startup Zap Energy announced it will develop small modular nuclear fission reactors alongside its fusion devices, aiming to generate revenue from fission within a year through Department of Defense and Department of Energy programs and milestone payments from power-hungry companies. The fission SMR market relies on mass manufacturing to reduce costs, with scaling benefits expected to materialize over approximately a decade. The pivot signals a broader trend of fusion startups seeking near-term revenue streams while continuing long-term fusion development.