Sam Altman-backed Oklo is developing micro nuclear reactors
Advanced nuclear fuel technology company Lightbridge Corporation has signed a memorandum of understanding with reactor developer Oklo to conduct a feasibility study for co-locating a Lightbridge commercial-scale fuel fabrication facility at a similar facility planned by Oklo and to explore opportunities for collaboration in recycling nuclear waste.
Lightbridge president and chief executive officer Seth Grae said the potential co-location of the facilities could offer “significant synergies in terms of upfront capital expenditures and ongoing operating costs”.
The facilities would be built at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls.
California-based Oklo is a startup backed by OpenAI chief executive officer Sam Altman that is developing micro nuclear reactors.
Its Aurora nuclear power plant consists of a small fast neutron fission reactor with integrated solar panels. Aurora can produce up to 15 MW of power and operate for 10 years or longer before refuelling. It can also generate heat for industrial applications.
Oklo has not deployed a reactor yet. The company aims to bring its first plant online at Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls in 2027.
Massachusetts-based Lightbridge is developing a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology for existing light-water reactors and pressurised heavy water reactors. It is also developing fuel for next-generation small modular reactors.
