Zap Energy pivots from fusion to add fission reactors to its roadmap

A fusion startup quietly plans to build fission reactors

Fusion startup Zap Energy is making a surprising partial pivot: alongside its fusion research, it plans to develop nuclear fission reactors. The move signals a strategy shift toward parallel power pathways as fusion timelines remain uncertain. It also raises big questions about licensing, safety, and how the company will integrate two very different reactor technologies under one commercialization plan.