Oklo and Lightbridge to Evaluate Co-location Opportunities for Advanced Fuel Fabrication

Oklo and Lightbridge have formed a strategic collaboration to explore the potential co-location of a Lightbridge fuel fabrication facility within Oklo's planned advanced fuel manufacturing facility. The collaboration aims to evaluate more co-location opportunities to make advanced fuels. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year.

Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) and Lightbridge Corporation (Nasdaq: LTBR) have announced a strategic collaboration to explore the potential co-location of a Lightbridge fuel fabrication facility within Oklo's planned advanced fuel manufacturing facility. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed earlier this year, aims to evaluate additional co-location opportunities to accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear fuels.

The initiative aligns with White House executive orders from May 2025 that prioritize the acceleration of U.S. nuclear energy deployment. Among the directives was a call for the Secretary of Energy to establish a program to process surplus plutonium and make it available for advanced reactor fuel. The proposed co-located facility would support the production of advanced fuels for both fast reactors and light water reactors, reinforcing both companies' commitment to U.S. leadership in advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing and recycling [1].

Oklo and Lightbridge are jointly assessing the feasibility of commercial-scale fuel fabrication within Oklo’s planned fuel manufacturing infrastructure. The collaboration underscores a shared vision for strengthening domestic energy security, supporting advanced reactor deployment, improving the performance of existing light water reactors, and enhancing the resilience of the nuclear fuel supply chain [1].

In addition to commercial fuel production, the co-located site would serve as a joint R&D hub for advanced fuel development. These capabilities align with emerging federal policy and represent a critical step toward building a robust commercial supply chain for next-generation nuclear technologies [1].

Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo, stated, “We’re building the infrastructure to help fuel new nuclear development and deployment. This collaboration supports our efforts to bolster near- and mid-term advanced reactor fuel supplies with legacy materials such as down-blended uranium and repurposed plutonium. It directly aligns with strong federal direction supporting domestic fuel independence” [1].

Seth Grae, President and CEO of Lightbridge Corporation, added, “This joint effort reflects a shared vision for a modern nuclear fuel cycle—one that supports both existing and advanced reactors and strengthens America’s energy resilience. Together, we’re working toward a new era of U.S.-led nuclear innovation” [1].

Oklo Inc. is developing fast fission power plants to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale, establishing a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes, and advancing nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy. Lightbridge Corporation is focused on developing advanced nuclear fuel technology essential for delivering abundant, zero-emission, clean energy and providing energy security to the world [1].

The strategic collaboration between Lightbridge and Oklo represents a significant development in the advanced nuclear fuel ecosystem. This partnership builds upon their earlier MOU to now explore co-location of Lightbridge's fuel fabrication capabilities within Oklo's planned manufacturing infrastructure. The timing is particularly strategic, coming just months after White House executive orders in May 2025 that prioritize accelerated nuclear deployment [2].

The proposed facility would serve dual market segments—manufacturing advanced fuels for both fast reactors (Oklo's focus) and light water reactors (Lightbridge's primary market). This diversification reduces market risk while maximizing operational efficiency through shared infrastructure. Most notably, the partnership aims to utilize legacy materials including down-blended uranium and repurposed plutonium. This aligns with federal strategies to repurpose existing materials, potentially lowering fuel costs while addressing nuclear waste concerns [2].

The combined expertise of Oklo and Lightbridge positions them favorably amid growing government support for domestic nuclear fuel independence. By establishing both commercial production and R&D capabilities, the partnership is well-positioned to capitalize on the policy tailwind for nuclear energy deployment in the U.S.

References:
[1] https://www.ltbridge.com/news-media/press-releases/detail/447/oklo-and-lightbridge-to-evaluate-additional-co-location
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/LTBR/oklo-and-lightbridge-to-evaluate-additional-co-location-xnp4s5xonb9a.html