KEY POINTS
- Sam Altman-backed Oklo secured a site deal with the DOE for an Idaho nuclear reactor.
- Oklo is focused on developing small modular nuclear reactors by 2027.
- Regulatory hurdles remain as the company still needs approval from the NRC
Nuclear startup Oklo Inc., backed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, has finalized a site inspection deal with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for its proposed small modular nuclear reactor (SMR) in Idaho. The agreement, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant step forward in the company’s plan to build its first SMR by 2027.
This collaboration will allow Oklo to conduct necessary geotechnical studies, environmental surveys, and infrastructure planning for the project, the company stated.
Furthermore, it is part of a broader movement to revitalize nuclear energy, which is increasingly seen as a key solution in the global drive to reduce carbon emissions and meet net-zero goals.
Nuclear energy resurgence
The nuclear industry has experienced renewed interest after years of stagnation, driven by the need for cleaner energy sources. Moreover, nuclear energy offers a stable and reliable alternative to fossil fuels, which aligns with growing corporate and government efforts to transition toward sustainable power.
U.S. utilities have begun exploring partnerships with major technology companies like Microsoft and Amazon to power data centers, which are known for their high energy consumption, with nuclear energy. According to Reuters, this trend positions nuclear startups like Oklo to play a pivotal role in the future energy landscape.
Regulatory challenges ahead
Despite this recent progress, Oklo still faces significant regulatory hurdles. The company must secure a permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) before construction can begin on the Idaho reactor. Oklo’s previous application for a combined construction and operation license was rejected by the NRC in 2022.
The company remains optimistic about its future prospects, with the DOE site inspection agreement seen as a critical milestone. Oklo’s push to develop SMRs comes at a time when both the government and the private sector are looking for innovative ways to generate clean, sustainable energy.
