Oklo Milestone Shows America Is Building the Future of Nuclear Energy
Washington, D.C. – Today, Oklo announced that its Groves Isotope Test Reactor has achieved first criticality—a major milestone on the path to producing reliable, advanced nuclear energy. As manufacturers work to meet the country’s growing energy needs, National Association of Manufacturers President and CEO Jay Timmons released the following statement:
“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.
“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.”
Background: In July, the NAM welcomed the Department of Energy’s announcement that three advanced nuclear reactors had reached criticality ahead of President Trump’s Independence Day goal.
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The National Association of Manufacturers is the largest manufacturing association in the United States, representing small and large manufacturers in every industrial sector and in all 50 states. Manufacturing employs nearly 13 million men and women, contributes $3 trillion to the U.S. economy annually and accounts for nearly 52% of private-sector research and development. The NAM is the powerful voice of the manufacturing community and the leading advocate for a policy agenda that helps manufacturers compete in the global economy and create jobs across the United States. For more information about the NAM or to follow us on Twitter and Facebook, please visit www.nam.org.
