Oklo’s Geotechnical Milestone Paves the Way for Advanced Nuclear Leadership

The global energy transition hinges on technologies that deliver clean power at scale while navigating regulatory and financial hurdles. Oklo, a pioneer in advanced nuclear energy, has just crossed a critical threshold with the completion of geotechnical drilling for its Aurora Powerhouse at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). This milestone not only de-risks its path to regulatory approval but positions the company as a near-term leader in a sector primed for explosive growth.

De-Risking Innovation: The Power of Geotechnical Data

On May 13, 2025, Oklo finalized borehole drilling at the INL site, a foundational step for its NRC Combined License Application (COLA). The data collected—detailing subsurface geology, seismic activity, and groundwater dynamics—directly addresses core regulatory concerns. By integrating this information into its COLA, Oklo has reduced uncertainty around site suitability, design compliance, and environmental impact, accelerating the path to construction and operation.

The drilling phase was executed in tandem with rigorous environmental and cultural stewardship. Collaborations with the Shoshone Bannock Tribes and formal agreements with the DOE and INL underscore Oklo’s commitment to compliance, further insulating the project from delays. This holistic approach aligns with the NRC’s Pre-Application Readiness Assessment, which began in March 2025 and prioritizes early resolution of siting and safety issues.

First-Mover COLA Advantage: A Regulatory Tipping Point

Oklo’s COLA submission, expected by late 2025, will benefit from the 2024 ADVANCE Act’s 55% reduction in NRC licensing fees—effective October 1, 2025—thereby cutting costs and expediting timelines. The Aurora Powerhouse, a 15–100 MWe fast-fission reactor using recycled EBR-II fuel, is designed to operate alongside existing infrastructure at INL, leveraging its role as a national hub for nuclear innovation.

The strategic choice of INL as the site offers additional de-risking: the lab’s existing licensing framework, skilled workforce, and proximity to DOE facilities reduce execution risks. Meanwhile, Oklo’s waste-to-energy model—converting spent light-water reactor fuel into high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU)—creates a scalable, closed-loop system. This not only lowers fuel costs but aligns with global decarbonization goals by repurposing nuclear waste.

Scalability and Market Opportunity: A 14 GW Pipeline

Oklo’s vision extends beyond its first plant. The company aims to deploy 14 GW of capacity by 2035, targeting markets hungry for reliable, carbon-free power. Its modular design allows rapid replication across industrial sites, utilities, and microgrids. Early partnerships with utilities and government entities suggest strong demand, while its HALEU fuel fabrication facility—approved by the DOE in 2024—ensures supply chain control.

Addressing Risks: Capital and Regulatory Timelines

No investment is without risk. Oklo faces significant capital needs to build its first plant, estimated at hundreds of millions of dollars. However, its progress in regulatory and technical milestones strengthens its position to attract private equity, government grants, or strategic partnerships. The NRC’s streamlined COLA review process, enabled by the ADVANCE Act, also mitigates timeline risks.

Why Invest Now?

Oklo sits at the intersection of two unstoppable forces: the urgent need for decarbonization and the renaissance of nuclear energy. Its geotechnical milestone and COLA progress signal tangible execution—critical in a sector where promises often outpace results. With a scalable technology, a first-mover advantage, and policy tailwinds, Oklo is not just a bet on advanced nuclear; it’s a bet on the future of energy itself.

The time to act is now. Oklo’s de-risked trajectory offers a rare opportunity to capitalize on a transformative energy solution while the regulatory window is open.

The views expressed here are not financial advice. Investors should conduct their own due diligence.