Konoike Transport Invests in Fusion Energy Startup Helical Fusion
Konoike Transport has announced its capital participation in Helical Fusion, a startup aiming to commercialize fusion energy using a unique helical stellarator technology, to ensure long-term clean energy procurement.
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- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 21:30
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 13:01
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 13:08 (6 min after Collected)
Konoike Transport Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka; Chairman, President and CEO: Tadahiko Konoike; hereinafter "Konoike Transport") has made a capital investment in Helical Fusion Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Takaya Taguchi; hereinafter "Helical Fusion"), a startup developing fusion energy for practical application.
1. Background and Purpose of Investment
Fusion energy is attracting attention as a clean energy source using seawater-derived fuel. Once realized, it is expected to become a core Japanese industry, fundamentally solving issues of conventional power generation. The Japanese government has set the "Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy," aiming for fusion power generation demonstrations in the 2030s through public-private cooperation.
Helical Fusion is a startup founded in 2021 based on long-standing research from the National Institute for Fusion Science. It aims for the world's first practical application of fusion energy using the unique Japanese "Helical Stellarator" technology.
Konoike Transport operates diverse businesses supporting social foundations, such as logistics, contract manufacturing, engineering, and medical services. Contributing to a carbon-neutral society and stable energy supply is a key management priority. This investment supports Helical Fusion's challenge toward next-gen clean energy, anticipating changes in the future energy supply structure and exploring possibilities for stable, clean energy procurement for the Konoike Group's business activities.
2. Future Outlook
Konoike Transport will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a social infrastructure company and contribute to a sustainable society through co-creation with partners possessing next-generation technologies.
3. Comment from Tadahiko Konoike, Chairman and President of Konoike Transport
"We believe fusion energy could become a new core industry for Japan through innovative technology. Securing domestic energy sources is highly significant for Japan, which relies on other countries for resources like oil. Stable energy supply unaffected by social conditions or geopolitical risks is a critical issue for us. In our logistics business, we expect to use this for power in cold storage warehouses, which consume more electricity than ambient warehouses, leading to CO2 reduction. Through this investment in Helical Fusion, we hope to contribute to solving social issues through the development of a stable and environmentally friendly energy foundation."
1. Background and Purpose of Investment
Fusion energy is attracting attention as a clean energy source using seawater-derived fuel. Once realized, it is expected to become a core Japanese industry, fundamentally solving issues of conventional power generation. The Japanese government has set the "Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy," aiming for fusion power generation demonstrations in the 2030s through public-private cooperation.
Helical Fusion is a startup founded in 2021 based on long-standing research from the National Institute for Fusion Science. It aims for the world's first practical application of fusion energy using the unique Japanese "Helical Stellarator" technology.
Konoike Transport operates diverse businesses supporting social foundations, such as logistics, contract manufacturing, engineering, and medical services. Contributing to a carbon-neutral society and stable energy supply is a key management priority. This investment supports Helical Fusion's challenge toward next-gen clean energy, anticipating changes in the future energy supply structure and exploring possibilities for stable, clean energy procurement for the Konoike Group's business activities.
2. Future Outlook
Konoike Transport will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as a social infrastructure company and contribute to a sustainable society through co-creation with partners possessing next-generation technologies.
3. Comment from Tadahiko Konoike, Chairman and President of Konoike Transport
"We believe fusion energy could become a new core industry for Japan through innovative technology. Securing domestic energy sources is highly significant for Japan, which relies on other countries for resources like oil. Stable energy supply unaffected by social conditions or geopolitical risks is a critical issue for us. In our logistics business, we expect to use this for power in cold storage warehouses, which consume more electricity than ambient warehouses, leading to CO2 reduction. Through this investment in Helical Fusion, we hope to contribute to solving social issues through the development of a stable and environmentally friendly energy foundation."