Idaho Falls, Idaho – Nuclear startup company Oklo is making strides towards constructing its first commercial microreactor, according to CEO Jacob DeWitte. The Department of Energy has granted Oklo approval to conduct site investigations at Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls to prepare for the planned reactor. These investigations will involve infrastructure planning, environmental surveys, and geotechnical assessments.
DeWitte anticipates breaking ground at the Idaho site in 2026, with the goal of having the reactor operational by 2027. However, Oklo still awaits approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to proceed with the construction and operation of the plant, following the rejection of its initial application in 2022.
The company went public in May through a merger with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s SPAC, AltC Acquisition Corp, with Altman serving as Oklo’s chairman. This move comes at a time when there is a growing demand for electricity, particularly in the tech sector, where data centers are being rapidly built to accommodate the power-intensive computations required for artificial intelligence.
Oklo’s microreactors, known as Aurora, offer smaller and simpler designs ranging from 15 to over 100 megawatts in size. This contrasts with the average nuclear reactor in the current U.S. fleet, which is around 1,000 megawatts, according to the Department of Energy.
Despite facing challenges, such as the rejection of its initial license application and disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, Oklo remains optimistic about its future prospects. The company has secured interest from potential customers totaling 1,350 megawatts through letters of intent, reflecting a significant increase from previous figures.
DeWitte emphasized that Oklo’s business does not hinge on when the Idaho plant becomes operational. The company aims to bring multiple plants online annually starting in 2028-2029, with a focus on scaling up the supply chain accordingly. Additionally, Oklo has taken steps to secure nuclear fuel for its operations, including partnerships with U.S.-based suppliers and plans for fuel recycling.
As Oklo progresses towards achieving its goals, it remains committed to providing sustainable and reliable energy solutions through its innovative microreactor technology. With advancements in the nuclear energy sector and a growing emphasis on clean energy sources, Oklo’s endeavors align with the shifting dynamics of the industry towards a more efficient and environmentally-friendly future.