Fusion power startup Zap Energy pulls a partial pivot, adding nuclear fission to the mix

Zap Energy is adding a fission reactor business alongside its fusion work to bring in revenue sooner.

The company will pursue a Toshiba-linked 4S molten salt-cooled design, targeting government contracts, milestone payments, and industrial customers.

The shift reflects growing electricity demand, especially from AI data centers, and the long timeline for commercial fusion power.

Other energy startups are also turning to nearer-term nuclear models as competition to power data-heavy industries intensifies.