
Oklo, a Nuclear SMR Company Supported by Sam Altman, Finalizes Agreement with the Department of Energy
The nuclear SMR company Oklo, backed by Sam Altman, has announced that it has finalized an agreement with the Department of Energy (DOE). This agreement will allow the company to move forward with the next phase of siting at the Idaho National Lab.
This significant step will lay the groundwork for site preparation and construction for Oklo's powerhouse, according to the company. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) gives Oklo the permission to conduct site investigations at its preferred site in Idaho, marking a crucial step towards the next phase of site preparation and construction.
The company is the only advanced fission company with a DOE site use permit, along with significant regulatory progress and a secured fuel supply. This unique positioning allows Oklo to deploy the first commercial advanced fission power plant in the United States. The site investigations facilitated by this MOA will concentrate on geotechnical assessments, environmental surveys, and infrastructure planning.
Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo, expressed his appreciation for the partnership with the DOE. He noted that the signing of this MOA reflects Oklo's commitment to timely deployment and operational readiness, while also helping to manage costs and maintain the project schedule.
The Growing Embrace of Nuclear Energy Across the Country
The acceptance of nuclear energy is gradually spreading across the country. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro recently called for the quick reopening of Three Mile Island. Following Microsoft's agreement to purchase power from the dormant nuclear plant, Shapiro urged regulators to prioritize the reactor's connection to the electrical grid.
In a letter to PJM Interconnection, the grid operator serving Pennsylvania and several other states, Shapiro stressed that the plant should not face the usual extended delays for new developments. Microsoft aims to start utilizing the reactor's energy by 2028.
In response to Shapiro’s concerns, PJM Interconnection stated that it is developing a “fast track” process to prioritize certain electricity projects, potentially speeding up the reactor's return to service. Shapiro expressed his desire for the reactor to come online as quickly as possible.
The owner of Three Mile Island is investing $1.6 billion to revive the plant and has agreed to sell all of its output to Microsoft, which is seeking power for its data centers. This momentum continues the "Next AI Trade" that was pointed out earlier this year, outlining various investment opportunities for powering up America. Oklo, backed by OpenAI's Sam Altman, remains a top choice in the nuclear sector.
Bottom Line
The growing acceptance of nuclear energy across the United States, coupled with significant investments and strategic partnerships, indicates a promising future for the nuclear sector. Oklo's recent agreement with the DOE is a significant step forward in their mission to deploy the first commercial advanced fission power plant in the country. What are your thoughts on this development? Feel free to share this article with your friends and let us know your opinions. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.