Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 hours ago
Supported by Avalanche Energy
Should fusion plug directly into the grid as a new baseload power source, or start as on-site generation for customers such as data centres, steel mills and defence sites that are willing to pay for reliability and independence? Advocates of utility-scale fusion argue that the grid delivers greater impact, while champions of on-site, “behind the meter” solutions see the potential for faster deployment, clearer value and less regulatory drag. Which model will win the most investor confidence?
Moderator: Tim De Chant, Senior climate reporter, TechCrunch
Philip Steele, future technologies evangelist, Octopus Energy
Alex Doobay, group investment director, Global Switch
Brian Riordan, co-founder, chief operating officer, Avalanche Energy
Supported by Avalanche Energy
Should fusion plug directly into the grid as a new baseload power source, or start as on-site generation for customers such as data centres, steel mills and defence sites that are willing to pay for reliability and independence? Advocates of utility-scale fusion argue that the grid delivers greater impact, while champions of on-site, “behind the meter” solutions see the potential for faster deployment, clearer value and less regulatory drag. Which model will win the most investor confidence?
Moderator: Tim De Chant, Senior climate reporter, TechCrunch
Philip Steele, future technologies evangelist, Octopus Energy
Alex Doobay, group investment director, Global Switch
Brian Riordan, co-founder, chief operating officer, Avalanche Energy
