Oklo's Aurora reactor clears major US safety milestone for advanced nuclear power
Oklo's Aurora reactor clears major US safety milestone for advanced nuclear power
Oklo's Aurora reactor clears major US safety milestone for advanced nuclear power
The US Department of Energy has approved Oklo’s Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis for its Aurora powerhouse. This marks a key milestone under the Reactor Pilot Program authorisation pathway. Oklo had previously secured Nuclear Safety Design Agreement approval in March. Oklo requested the safety analysis review after its earlier agreement. The Aurora powerhouse is a fast neutron reactor based on the Experimental Breeder Reactor II design. It can run on fresh HALEU fuel or recycled nuclear material.
The company held a ground-breaking ceremony for the Aurora-INL in September 2025. The plant will be built at Idaho National Laboratory. Oklo aims to use the Reactor Pilot Program to gain early operational experience before wider commercial deployment.
The Aurora powerhouse will be the first in Oklo’s planned series of fast fission plants. The company is also pursuing Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing to support future commercial use. The approval of the safety analysis brings Oklo closer to deploying its advanced reactor. The Aurora powerhouse will demonstrate new fuel capabilities and operational flexibility. Its construction at Idaho National Laboratory is now underway.