SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), a company focused on advanced nuclear energy and fuel recycling, has achieved an important milestone. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the Conceptual Safety Design Report (CSDR) for Oklo’s Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This approval is a big step forward in Oklo’s goal of using recycled nuclear materials to power its first Aurora power plant.
The Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility will create fuel from high assay low enriched uranium (HALEU) that has been recovered from old nuclear fuel. Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo, expressed excitement about the collaboration with INL and the DOE, emphasizing that the company is well-prepared to launch its first commercial plant in the coming years. Dr. Jess Gehin, an associate laboratory director at INL, also highlighted the importance of working together to advance nuclear energy technologies.
The CSDR approval is part of a detailed review process by the DOE, which will include additional safety measures before construction can start. This careful review ensures that safety and regulatory standards are met as new nuclear technologies are developed.
Recently, Oklo gained attention in the technology sector when Google announced a partnership with Kairos Power to use small modular nuclear reactors to power its AI data centers. This collaboration shows that more tech companies recognize the potential of nuclear energy, and following the news, Oklo’s stock rose by 10%, indicating strong investor interest.
Oklo is moving forward with its plans for the Aurora powerhouse. Last month, the company finalized agreements with the DOE to begin evaluating the best location for its reactor, which is a necessary step for its license application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Importantly, the DOE will keep ownership of the HALEU both during and after its use, ensuring responsible management of nuclear fuel.
Oklo has received support from the DOE through several GAIN vouchers to help with the development of the Aurora powerhouse design. Additionally, the company has secured funding from ARPA-E to advance its recycling technologies.
As Oklo Inc. continues its work on the Aurora powerhouse, its focus on advanced nuclear technology and strategic partnerships positions it as a leader in the nuclear energy field. The approval of the CSDR not only moves Oklo closer to its goals but also plays a part in the larger effort to promote clean energy solutions. With innovation and collaboration, Oklo is helping pave the way for a more sustainable energy future.