Oklo loses FERC appeal against PJM interconnection removal

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has rejected an appeal by advanced reactor developer Oklo, upholding a decision by PJM to remove its 750 MW hybrid power project from the current interconnection study cycle.

The proposed project in Virginia consists of a combination of 150 MW of nuclear generation, 300 MW of fuel cells, and 300 MW of gas generation. The dispute arose after PJM identified deficiencies in Oklo’s application. While Oklo claimed to have addressed previous issues, PJM determined that the submitted computer models failed to demonstrate grid stability when the nuclear and gas components were integrated with the fuel cells.

Oklo argued that the removal would delay development by more than 14 months and significantly increase costs. However, FERC ruled in favor of PJM, stating that the grid operator followed proper procedures by allowing one opportunity to correct deficiencies. The decision highlights the technical complexities of modeling interconnection for hybrid facilities that combine different types of generation sources.