Oklo Achievement Advances America’s Nuclear Energy Future

Oklo announced on Wednesday that its Groves Isotope Test Reactor has achieved first criticality—a major milestone on the path to producing reliable, advanced nuclear energy (Yahoo! Finance).

• “Criticality” is when the nuclear chain reaction starts producing a steady supply of energy.

The big picture: Oklo’s reactor is the fifth one to reach criticality under an Energy Department pilot program aiming to boost nuclear energy production.

• “Small reactors developed by Aalo Atomics, Deployable Energy, Antares Nuclear Inc. and Valar Atomics Inc. previously achieved that milestone, according to the agency.”
• In July, the NAM cheered the achievements of the first four reactors.

The NAM says: “Oklo’s achievement marks more than a milestone for one company—it demonstrates what America can accomplish when innovation, investment and smart policy work together. Achieving criticality is a pivotal step toward bringing a new generation of nuclear reactors online and delivering reliable, affordable and abundant energy to America’s manufacturers, consumers and communities,” said NAM President and CEO Jay Timmons.

• “Reaching this breakthrough in less than a year is an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects the ingenuity, urgency and execution that define a pioneering manufacturer like Oklo. We congratulate the Oklo team and thank Energy Secretary Chris Wright for his leadership in advancing policies that enable next-generation nuclear technologies while maintaining the highest standards of safety.”
• “Manufacturers are committed to an all-of-the-above approach to energy. As we look to meet the country’s urgent energy demands, investments in nuclear are essential to powering America’s manufacturing economy, strengthening our energy security, supporting the infrastructure of artificial intelligence and spurring new breakthroughs that will improve the lives of all Americans.”
• “President Trump challenged our nation to accelerate advanced nuclear deployment, and companies like Oklo are helping America rise to that challenge. This is exactly the kind of innovation that will reinforce America’s energy dominance, create high-paying manufacturing jobs and ensure manufacturers have the power they need to invest, innovate, grow and compete.”

The nuclear streak: In July, the NAM welcomed the Department of Energy’s announcement that three nuclear reactors had reached criticality ahead of President Trump’s Independence Day goal.