Oklo Advances Aurora Microreactor Toward 2027 Deployment
Oklo, a pioneering U.S. company specializing in advanced nuclear microreactors, is making steady progress with its Aurora design, targeting commercial operation by late 2027 or early 2028. The Aurora is a compact, fast-fission reactor rated at 15 to 50 megawatts electrical (MWe), with scalability up to 100 MWe through modular configurations. This technology is engineered to operate on recycled nuclear waste, incorporating passive cooling systems that ensure meltdown-proof safety and a prolonged fuel cycle of up to 10 years without refueling.
Recent developments include the completion of site characterization and borehole drilling at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in May 2025, a crucial step for environmental assessments and foundation preparation. In July 2025, Oklo partnered with Kiewit as its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm to optimize costs and timelines while upholding safety protocols. Pre-construction activities are slated to commence later this year, positioning the INL site as the first commercial deployment for the Aurora.
On the regulatory front, Oklo achieved a milestone in July 2025 by completing Phase 1 of the NRC readiness assessment, which reviewed preliminary licensing materials. Additionally, in June 2025, the NRC accepted Oklo's topical report on operator certification, allowing for technology-based qualifications rather than site-specific ones, facilitating scalable operations across multiple locations.
Oklo is preparing to submit the initial phase of its Combined License Application (COLA) to the NRC later in 2025. This follows a prior application denial in 2022 due to incomplete details, but the company has since refined its submission strategy to align with NRC requirements for advanced fission technologies.
Beyond the INL project, Oklo has secured a separate initiative for a microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, with design submissions to the NRC anticipated in October 2025. This underscores the reactor's suitability for remote and defense-related applications, where reliable, off-grid power is essential.
In terms of business expansions, Oklo acquired Atomic Alchemy in February 2025 to bolster its radioisotope production capabilities, a byproduct of the Aurora's operation that has medical and industrial uses. The company has also inked strategic partnerships, including with Equinix for powering data centers, reflecting the growing demand from tech sectors for carbon-free energy sources.
Oklo's focus on fuel recycling enhances its sustainability profile, as the Aurora can utilize spent fuel from conventional reactors, reducing waste volumes and addressing long-term storage challenges. This innovation aligns with U.S. efforts to domesticate the nuclear fuel cycle, supported by recent government initiatives to phase out Russian imports.
The company's stock performance has been notable, with shares rising 537% year-to-date in 2025, driven by investor enthusiasm for SMRs amid energy demands from AI and data centers. Oklo's model emphasizes long-term power purchase agreements, providing stable revenue streams for off-grid clients like military bases and industrial facilities.
Looking forward, Oklo aims to demonstrate the Aurora's versatility in various settings, from remote communities to high-security installations. Its design prioritizes transportability and minimal on-site construction, leveraging factory-built components to cut deployment times compared to traditional reactors.
This progress is bolstered by broader U.S. policy support, including Department of Energy funding and executive orders promoting nuclear growth. Oklo's advancements position it as a leader in the microreactor space, potentially transforming how clean energy is delivered to underserved areas.
As Oklo moves closer to deployment, its work could set precedents for regulatory pathways in advanced nuclear, encouraging further innovation in the sector. The Aurora's ability to operate unattended in harsh environments makes it ideal for expanding nuclear's role in energy security.