Oklo Expands Focus Beyond Building Microreactors

Two recent deals with prospective power offtakers indicate that advanced nuclear developer Oklo is widening — or possibly shifting — its focus from microreactors to larger small modular reactors (SMRs), in part attracted by emerging baseload demand from end users such as large data centers. This expanded focus, with Oklo actively developing and marketing two "Aurora powerhouse" reactors — a 15 megawatt microreactor and a 50 MW SMR — comes as Oklo maintains its determination to go public this year via a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (Spac). None of this enthusiasm from prospective offtakers or investors belies the fact that Oklo still has major challenges ahead, including securing stable sources of high-assay low-enriched uranium (Haleu) fuel and navigating its unlicensed designs through the regulatory process.