U.S. Air Force Selects Oklo Inc. To Set up its First Micro Nuclear Power Reactor

The Department of the Air Force, in collaboration with the Defense Logistics Agency Energy, has asked Oklo Inc. to build and operate micro-reactor facility.

The facility will be licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. This notice marks the beginning of the acquisition process, with the potential to award a 30-year, firm-fixed-price contract to Oklo Inc. after obtaining an NRC license.

Brendan Owens, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, emphasized the Department of the Air Force's commitment to investing in U.S.-developed technology that enhances mission assurance and advances national interests in Alaska and across the nation.

The Department is closely monitoring this project and collaborating with other military departments to identify additional installations where advanced U.S. nuclear technology can enhance power reliability and installation resilience.

Micro-reactors are compact nuclear reactors that generate carbon-free energy and include built-in safety features to adapt to changing conditions and demands, preventing overheating. Their ability to operate independently from the commercial grid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions makes micro-reactors a promising power source for critical national security infrastructure.

Dr. Ravi Chaudhary, the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment, expressed the significance of this historic initiative, highlighting its potential to provide safe, reliable, and clean energy for Air Force installations in the future. He stressed the importance of collaboration with regulatory authorities, local communities, and state partners to ensure the safe and successful deployment of this transformative technology.

The micro-reactor is anticipated to become operational by the end of 2027, in accordance with the directives outlined in the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act.