SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Oklo selected for three pilot projects by U.S. Department of Energy

The U.S. Department of Energy selects Oklo and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy for three pilot reactor projects aiming for criticality before July 2026.

Share:

Subscribe for unlimited access to all the latest energy sector news.

Over 150 multisector articles and analyses every week.

For less than €3/week*

*For an annual commitment

*Engagement annuel à seulement 99 € (au lieu de 149 €), offre valable jusqu'au 30/07/2025 minuit.

SUBSCRIBE

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Oklo Inc. and its subsidiary Atomic Alchemy Inc. for three projects under the new Reactor Pilot Program. This federal initiative aims to demonstrate criticality in at least three test reactors before America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Oklo secured two projects while Atomic Alchemy obtained one, positioning the company at the heart of American nuclear strategy. These selections are part of an accelerated modernization context for the nuclear sector, made possible by executive orders signed in May 2025.

Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo, was present in the Oval Office of the White House during the signing of these orders by President Donald Trump, alongside Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Scott Nolan, CEO of General Matter. This presence underscores the strategic importance given to advanced nuclear actors in American energy policy. The program aims to accelerate deployment timelines while providing essential operational data to support long-term commercial licensing.

Strategic collaboration with Lightbridge Corporation

Parallel to these government selections, Oklo announced on August 11, 2025, a collaboration with Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR) to explore the co-location of a fuel fabrication facility. This initiative is part of a memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year. Both companies are jointly assessing the feasibility of commercial-scale fuel fabrication within Oklo’s planned advanced fuel manufacturing infrastructure. The objective is to accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear fuels through joint fabrication and research and development activities.

The proposed co-located facility would support the production of advanced fuels for both fast reactors and light water reactors. This collaboration reinforces both companies’ commitment to U.S. leadership in advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing and recycling. Seth Grae, President and CEO of Lightbridge Corporation, emphasized that this joint effort reflects a shared vision for a modern nuclear fuel cycle, supporting both existing and advanced reactors while strengthening America’s energy resilience.

Financial results and development perspectives

Oklo published its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 11, accompanied by an updated investor presentation available on its investor relations website. The company held a conference call the same day with Jacob DeWitte and Craig Bealmear, Chief Financial Officer, to discuss these results. The company is currently developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale, while establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes.

The company was the first to receive a site use permit from the DOE for a commercial advanced fission plant. It also obtained fuel from Idaho National Laboratory and submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Oklo is also developing advanced fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the DOE and national laboratories, including for manufacturing fuel using repurposed plutonium from legacy materials, in accordance with May 2025 executive directives calling for the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to process surplus plutonium.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Canada joins EU and G7 to lower the Russian oil price cap
ISRAEL: NewMed Energy signs historic $35bn gas deal with Egypt through 2040
Fusion Fuel takes 51% stake in South African joint venture for industrial energy project
Iraq and Syria Revive Kirkuk-Baniyas Pipeline to Bypass Traditional Routes
Uniper tightens annual guidance and adjusts its energy transformation strategy
An Elliott affiliate raises bid to $8.82bn for Citgo’s parent company
Amber Energy, an affiliate of hedge fund Elliott Investment Management, submitted an $8.82bn offer for PDV Holding, intensifying competition in the court-supervised sale process in Delaware.
South Africa confirms environmental authorisation for Duynefontein nuclear power plant
The South African Minister of the Environment has approved Eskom’s authorisation to build a nuclear power plant in Duynefontein, ending appeals lodged by several environmental organisations.
The United Kingdom prepares major reform of nuclear regulation
An independent group calls for deep changes to speed up the approval of UK nuclear projects and cut costs linked to a system seen as too slow and complex.
India launches a two-pronged strategy to accelerate nuclear power by 2047
India unveils a national plan to boost nuclear capacity to 100 GW by 2047, combining large reactors and small modules, with a strengthened regulatory framework and new public-private partnerships.
Belarus paves the way for strategic nuclear cooperation with Uzbekistan
Belarus offers its expertise to support the construction of Uzbekistan’s first nuclear power plant, as Tashkent accelerates its civil energy projects with new international partnerships.
HYLENR raises $3 mn to accelerate commercialisation of its industrial LENR reactors
Start-up HYLENR finalises a strategic $3 mn fundraising to move from pilot phase to industrialisation of its low-energy nuclear reaction systems for industrial heat production.
Indonesia approves site study for Thorcon nuclear power plant on Kelasa Island
The regulatory approval granted to PT Thorcon Power Indonesia for its site study on Kelasa Island marks a decisive step toward the development of the country’s first private nuclear project.
U.S. uranium production soars in 2024, reaching its highest level in a decade
Uranium output from American mines surged more than thirteen-fold in 2024, driven by increased investment, exploration drilling and a partial restart of industrial capacity across several key states.
NextEra reactivates Duane Arnold nuclear plant to strengthen industrial capacity
NextEra Energy launches the recommissioning of the Duane Arnold nuclear site in Iowa, aiming to inject over 600 MWe back into the grid to meet the growing electricity demand of the American industrial sector.
The United States speeds up lunar nuclear reactor project amid international competition
Nasa has launched a call for tenders for a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, aiming to support American ambitions for a permanent base, despite budget uncertainties and mounting pressure from China and Russia.
Explosions near Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant rekindle security concerns
Explosions were heard near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, still under Russian military control, raising fresh concerns over the safety of the site and the Ukrainian energy sector.
Tractebel and NRG-Pallas extend their partnership on the Dutch research reactor
Tractebel and NRG-Pallas have formalised the continuation of their technical cooperation at the Pallas research reactor site in Petten, the Netherlands, reinforcing their commitment to a key project in the European nuclear sector.
Tanzania and Russia launch a $1.2bn uranium plant in Namtumbo
Tanzania, together with Russia, is starting construction of a uranium plant in Namtumbo for $1.2bn, aiming to boost mining revenues and secure a place in the global nuclear industry.
South Korea’s nuclear output to reach 222.7TWh with 29.8GW by 2035
South Korea forecasts 2.4% annual growth in nuclear generation, with 29 operational reactors by 2035 and export ambitions for the sector.
TEPCO posts $5.83bn net loss in the first quarter of fiscal year 2025
TEPCO reports a significant net loss due to nuclear compensation charges and debris removal preparations, while its revenues decline over the period.
Rolls-Royce SMR signs strategic agreements with Å koda JS and Curtiss-Wright in the UK and Czechia
Rolls-Royce SMR has entered into cooperation agreements with Å koda JS and Curtiss-Wright to accelerate the manufacturing of essential components and the supply of safety systems as part of its international development of modular reactors.
Flamanville: the EPR power-up postponed until the end of autumn 2025
The Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor will not reach full power until before the end of autumn, postponing the initially scheduled date due to preventive maintenance operations on the primary circuit valves.
Orano posts half-year profit of EUR109mn after industrial turnaround
French group Orano returns to profitability in the first half of the year, supported by strong plant performance and stabilisation of international activities, notably after resolving the situation in Niger.
Hungary signs agreement with Synthos to introduce US small modular reactors
Hunatom announces a strategic alliance with Synthos Green Energy to introduce US small modular reactor technology, strengthening energy ties between Hungary, Poland and the United States.
South Korea and Norway launch study on i-SMR nuclear mini-reactors
A joint feasibility study project on Korean i-SMR modular reactors has just been launched for a future nuclear site at the border of the Aure and Heim municipalities, aiming for significant regional industrial impact.
Consent Preferences