Oklo Breaks Ground on Aurora-INL Advanced Nuclear Powerhouse
Oklo Inc., a leader in advanced nuclear technology, has officially broken ground on its first Aurora powerhouse, the Aurora-INL, at Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
The event marked a significant milestone for both Oklo and the future of clean, reliable energy in the United States. It brought together top officials, scientists, and policymakers, underscoring the strategic importance of nuclear energy in America’s evolving energy landscape.
Speakers at the ceremony included Oklo’s co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte, INL Director John Wagner, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. The occasion also drew high-level attendees such as Idaho Governor Bradley Little, Utah Governor Spencer Cox, Senators Mike Crapo and James Risch, Congressman Mike Simpson, and other senior figures from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Powering a New Generation of Clean Industry
The Aurora-INL forms part of the DOE’s newly established Reactor Pilot Program, designed to fast-track the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors and modernise licensing pathways. Oklo was selected for three projects under the programme, with two awarded directly to the company and another to its subsidiary, Atomic Alchemy. The initiative supports the Biden administration’s broader strategy to ensure American leadership in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasised the importance of the project: “Oklo Inc.’s Aurora powerhouse will deliver clean, affordable, and reliable American energy to power a new generation of intelligence manufacturing across the country. As advancements in artificial intelligence drive up electricity demands, projects like this are critical to ensuring the United States can meet that need and remain at the forefront of the global AI arms race.”
The Aurora powerhouse aims to meet rising electricity demands driven by artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven industries, while supporting domestic manufacturing and sustainability goals.
A Reactor Built on Proven Innovation
At the heart of Aurora-INL lies a sodium-cooled fast reactor that uses metal fuel, a modern evolution of the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II), which successfully operated at INL from 1964 to 1994. This proven foundation enables Oklo to innovate with confidence while maintaining the highest safety standards.
In 2019, the DOE awarded Oklo access to fuel recovered from the historic EBR-II. Since then, Oklo has completed two of four steps required for DOE authorisation to fabricate its initial core at the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility (A3F), also located at INL.
Jacob DeWitte reflected on the long-standing collaboration between Oklo and the DOE: “We have been working with the Department of Energy and the Idaho National Laboratory since 2019 to bring this plant into existence, and this marks a new chapter of building. We are excited for this, and for many more to come.”
A Partnership Driving the Reactor Pilot Programme
The DOE’s Robert Boston, manager of the Idaho Operations Office, reinforced the department’s commitment to advancing nuclear energy through private-sector partnerships: “DOE is excited by the opportunity to work with reactor developers, such as Oklo, to capitalise on this moment of broad support for new nuclear generation and bring the Reactor Pilot Program into reality.”
The Reactor Pilot Program not only accelerates the commercial deployment of advanced reactors but also promotes collaboration between public and private sectors. This cooperative model aims to reduce bureaucratic delays and foster an environment where innovation can thrive under rigorous regulatory oversight.
Building the Future with Kiewit Nuclear Solutions
Construction of the Aurora powerhouse will be led by Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Co., a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, one of North America’s largest and most experienced engineering and construction firms. The collaboration was formalised under a Master Services Agreement signed in July 2025.
Kiewit brings a strong track record of delivering large-scale, high-performance industrial facilities with efficiency and precision. The company’s experience in managing complex projects on accelerated schedules aligns with Oklo’s vision for cost-effective and rapid deployment.
The project is expected to create around 370 jobs during construction, alongside 70 to 80 long-term, highly skilled positions once operational. These roles will include plant operators, engineers, safety specialists, and technical maintenance personnel, cementing the project’s contribution to Idaho’s high-tech economy.
INL Director John Wagner acknowledged the region’s pivotal role in nuclear advancement: “INL has always been where nuclear innovation becomes reality. Today’s groundbreaking with Oklo continues that legacy, bringing advanced reactor technology from the laboratory to commercial deployment right here in Idaho.”
A Legacy of Clean, Reliable Energy
Oklo’s mission extends far beyond a single power plant. The company is actively developing fast fission power systems capable of providing decentralised, scalable, and carbon-free energy. These compact reactors are designed to operate autonomously for up to two decades without refuelling, significantly reducing waste and lifecycle costs.
Beyond power generation, Oklo is building a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes used in medicine, space, and industry. The company also leads efforts to develop advanced fuel recycling technologies in partnership with the DOE and U.S. National Laboratories. This process transforms used nuclear fuel into new energy sources, reducing long-term storage needs and environmental impact.
Oklo’s achievements include being the first company to receive a site use permit from the DOE for a commercial advanced fission plant, submitting the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and being awarded legacy fuel for reuse. These milestones place Oklo among the frontrunners in redefining nuclear’s role in America’s clean energy future.
A Catalyst for America’s Energy Renaissance
The Aurora-INL represents more than a single project, it’s a proof of concept for how next-generation nuclear technology can deliver real-world results. By combining advanced materials, digital design, and modular construction, Oklo’s reactors promise shorter development timelines, improved safety systems, and flexible deployment options suitable for both remote and industrial sites.
The project aligns with global trends toward smaller, more efficient reactors, which are gaining traction as governments and utilities seek reliable low-carbon alternatives to fossil fuels. As the world transitions to an AI-driven economy with soaring energy needs, Oklo’s Aurora-INL could serve as a blueprint for future nuclear projects worldwide.
A Future Shaped by Innovation
The groundbreaking at Idaho National Laboratory symbolises a turning point in nuclear energy development, one rooted in innovation, collaboration, and long-term vision. With the DOE’s backing, industry partnerships, and a clear regulatory pathway, Oklo is helping to rewrite the narrative around nuclear power: safe, sustainable, and indispensable to a resilient energy future.
As Jacob DeWitte put it, the Aurora-INL project is just the beginning: “This opportunity positions us to build our first plant more quickly. We’re excited for this, and for many more to come.”
