Former Oscar Mayer Site to Become Home of Advanced Fusion Research as State Expands Carbon-Free Energy Innovation
MADISON, Wis. (July 15, 2026) — Wisconsin is strengthening its position as a national leader in next-generation clean energy as Realta Fusion announced plans to relocate its corporate headquarters and establish a new fusion research and development facility at OM Station, the redeveloped former Oscar Mayer manufacturing campus in Madison.
The project reinforces Wisconsin’s growing fusion energy ecosystem and supports the state’s long-term strategy to advance carbon-free electricity, scientific innovation, and high-tech economic development.
Highlights
- Realta Fusion will establish its corporate headquarters and R&D center at OM Station in Madison.
- Construction of “The Realta Forge” is expected to begin before the end of the year.
- The facility will house development of Hammir, the company’s prototype magnetic mirror fusion machine.
- Wisconsin recently approved 2025 Wisconsin Act 165, exempting capital investments in fusion projects from state sales and use taxes.
- WEDC awarded a $778,000 Ignite Wisconsin grant to the Wisconsin Fusion Energy Coalition to accelerate commercialization efforts.
Realta Chooses Wisconsin for Long-Term Growth
Company officials said the decision follows an extensive search for the ideal location to support the commercialization of fusion technology.
“The state of Wisconsin and the city of Madison have made it clear they understand the promise of fusion energy and share our vision for the future,” said Kieran Furlong, CEO of Realta Fusion. “We found the best place to build our future in our own backyard.”
The new research campus will provide dedicated space for engineering, testing, and development as Realta advances its proprietary fusion technology toward commercial deployment.
Governor Evers: Fusion Energy Aligns with Wisconsin’s Competitive Strengths
Gov. Tony Evers said the project reflects Wisconsin’s unique combination of world-class research institutions, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and highly skilled workforce.
According to the governor, fusion energy offers significant potential to:
- Deliver reliable carbon-free electricity
- Strengthen the electric grid
- Create high-paying science and engineering jobs
- Expand Wisconsin’s advanced manufacturing supply chain
- Position the state at the forefront of emerging energy technologies
Wisconsin Builds Momentum as a National Fusion Energy Hub
Wisconsin has developed one of the nation’s strongest fusion research ecosystems through decades of leadership at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, which operates one of the country’s few university nuclear research reactors and maintains internationally recognized fusion research programs.
Earlier this year, Gov. Evers announced a partnership between the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) and UW–Madison’s Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics to conduct the state’s nuclear energy siting study.
The study will evaluate:
- Traditional nuclear generation
- Small modular reactors (SMRs)
- Advanced nuclear technologies
- Fusion energy development opportunities
Results are expected by early 2027.
State Incentives Accelerate Fusion Commercialization
Wisconsin continues to introduce policies aimed at attracting advanced energy investment.
Recent initiatives include:
- 2025 Wisconsin Act 165, providing tax exemptions for fusion energy capital investments
- A $778,000 Ignite Wisconsin grant supporting commercialization efforts through the Wisconsin Fusion Energy Coalition
- Creation of the Nuclear Power Summit Board to promote innovation and industry collaboration
- A statewide nuclear power siting study backed by $2 million in state funding
WEDC Secretary and CEO John W. Miller said the state is uniquely positioned to lead the emerging fusion industry.
“Fusion energy is an emerging global industry where Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region are uniquely positioned to lead,” Miller said.
Part of Wisconsin’s Broader Clean Energy Strategy
The Realta announcement builds upon Gov. Evers’ broader clean energy agenda, which includes a statewide goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050.
Recent accomplishments include:
- Launch of Wisconsin’s first Clean Energy Plan
- More than $12 million distributed through federal Home Energy Rebate programs
- Continued investment in renewable energy certificates
- Expansion of clean energy financing through the Green Innovation Fund
- Ongoing support for workforce development and advanced energy technologies
