Oklo receives US DOE authorization to load fuel at Groves test reactor

Advanced nuclear startup Oklo was granted startup authorization by the US Department of Energy under the Reactor Pilot Program for its Groves Isotope Test Reactor in Texas. The approval allows the company to load nuclear fuel, conduct startup testing and move toward first criticality, completing the DOE’s authorisation process.

The low‑power test reactor is intended to demonstrate Oklo’s sodium‑cooled fast‑reactor design before scaling to commercial isotope production for cancer treatment, manufacturing, scientific research, space exploration and national security. Co‑founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte said the project achieved the fastest progression from greenfield to substantial completion for a privately funded reactor. The development is part of broader US efforts to reduce reliance on foreign isotope supplies and could support future energy‑security and AI initiatives. Oklo’s share price has fallen about 70% from recent highs.