Oklo Receives U.S. Department of Energy Startup Authorization for Groves Reactor

[Marlin]

Oklo Receives U.S. Department of Energy Startup Authorization for Groves Reactor, Clearing Way for Fuel Loading and First Criticality

https://oklo.com/newsroom/news-details/2026/Oklo-Receives-U-S--Department-of-Energy-Startup-Authorization-for-Groves-Reactor-Clearing-Way-for-Fuel-Loading-and-First-Criticality/default.aspx

[Core Content]

The U.S. Department of Energy granted startup authorization for the Groves Isotope Test Reactor, allowing Oklo to begin fuel loading and initial testing. This milestone follows a ten-month construction period at the private site. The facility serves as a testbed for the company to demonstrate its reactor design and operational readiness.

This authorization validates the DOE Reactor Pilot Program, which aims to accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear technologies through streamlined regulatory pathways. By establishing a repeatable model for construction and commissioning, the project provides a framework for scaling future commercial reactors. The successful completion of the readiness review confirms that the facility meets safety standards for fuel handling and startup operations.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) startup authorization allows Oklo to load nuclear fuel, conduct startup testing, and proceed toward first criticality. In just over 10 months, Oklo progressed from groundbreaking to receiving DOE startup authorization for its first reactor at the Groves site. During that period, Oklo built the reactor facility...

Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) ("Oklo"), an advanced nuclear technology company, today announced it received startup authorization for its Groves Isotope Test Reactor. This authorization, granted under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Reactor Pilot Program, completes DOE's authorization process and clears the way for fuel loading, startup testing, and reactor operations. Groves is a low-power test reactor designed to demonstrate reactor design, build, and operations, and to establish operating...

Read the full article at oklo.com:
https://oklo.com/newsroom/news-details/2026/Oklo-Receives-U-S--Department-of-Energy-Startup-Authorization-for-Groves-Reactor-Clearing-Way-for-Fuel-Loading-and-First-Criticality/default.aspx