Oklo Breaks Ground in Private Nuclear Energy with Groves Isotope Test Reactor

Oklo's Groves Isotope Test Reactor has achieved first criticality, marking a significant milestone for private nuclear energy. The reactor, which uses low-enriched uranium fuel sourced commercially, reached self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction at low power on September 2026, less than twelve months after groundbreaking.

The US Department of Energy granted startup authorization to Oklo Inc. under its Reactor Pilot Program, a framework designed to get advanced reactors deployed outside the traditional national laboratory system. The program's approval came on July 23, 2026.

This achievement is notable for its speed and efficiency, with the facility moving from dirt to fission in record time. Jacob DeWitte, Oklo's CEO, has pointed to this approach as a potential model for commercial nuclear timelines going forward.