Oklo Shares Slide 2.9% Amid 167th-Ranked Trading Volume as DOE Selects Firm for Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program

Oklo (OKLO) fell 2.91% on August 18, 2025, with a trading volume of $0.52 billion, a 30.72% decline from the previous day. The stock ranked 167th in trading activity amid mixed market sentiment. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced the selection of Oklo for its Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, a key development positioning the company to advance its advanced reactor designs. The initiative aims to accelerate testing and commercial licensing for at least three reactors by July 4, 2026, leveraging DOE’s streamlined authorization process.

Oklo’s inclusion in the program underscores its role in the U.S. nuclear renaissance, particularly in small modular reactor (SMR) and microreactor innovation. The company’s collaboration with Lightbridge to co-locate advanced fuel fabrication facilities further strengthens its position in the nuclear energy supply chain. This partnership aims to commercialize advanced fuels using legacy materials, enhancing efficiency and safety for both fast reactors and light water reactors. Such strategic moves align with broader industry efforts to secure domestic nuclear fuel production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

The DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program reflects a national push to restore U.S. leadership in nuclear energy, with Oklo among 11 selected firms. While the program does not provide direct funding, it offers a pathway for private investment and faster regulatory approvals. Oklo’s Aurora reactor project, supported by DOE’s conceptual safety design approval, remains a focal point for its commercial deployment plans. The company’s progress in fuel recycling and reactor technology positions it to capitalize on growing demand for clean, reliable energy solutions.

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