OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stepped down from his position as board chair of fusion energy startup Helion Energy, according to reports from multiple sources. The departure comes as the two companies are reportedly in discussions about a potential business partnership.

According to TechCrunch, the companies are negotiating a deal that would see Helion sell 12.5% of its power output to OpenAI. The timing of Altman's board departure coincides with these ongoing partnership talks between the firms.

Altman has been a significant backer of Helion Energy, which is developing nuclear fusion technology for commercial power generation. His dual role as both an investor in Helion and CEO of OpenAI created a potential conflict of interest as the companies explored business arrangements.

The proposed power purchase agreement would represent a notable commitment by OpenAI to secure energy supply, particularly as artificial intelligence operations require substantial computing power and electricity. Helion has been working to develop fusion energy technology that could provide clean electricity at commercial scale.

Both companies have not provided detailed public statements about the specific terms of their discussions or the timeline for any potential agreement. The negotiations reflect broader industry trends as technology companies seek reliable energy sources to support expanding AI operations.