Oklo Selected to Provide Nuclear Power to Eielson Air Force Base
Colaboradores
Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), a leading advanced nuclear technology company, has received a Notice of Intent to Award (NOITA) from the Defense Logistics Agency Energy (DLA Energy) to supply clean, reliable power to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. This initiative, on behalf of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) and the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to enhance energy resilience and reliability for critical national security infrastructure through the deployment of Oklo's Aurora powerhouse.
Microreactor Pilot Program
The project marks the DAF’s microreactor pilot program. The NOITA reaffirms Oklo as the preferred offeror following a thorough evaluation process. Under the proposed agreement, Oklo will design, build, own, and operate the power plant, providing both electricity and heat to Eielson Air Force Base under a long-term power purchase agreement.
“This Notice of Intent to Award reflects continued confidence in Oklo’s ability to deliver clean and secure energy solutions for mission-critical infrastructure,” stated Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo. “We are honored to support national defense resilience objectives while demonstrating the value of U.S.-pioneered fast reactor technology.”
Aurora Powerhouse Design
Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse design uses proven fast reactor technology to deliver continuous, resilient energy, capable of operating independently from the grid. This is crucial for energy security at remote installations such as Eielson Air Force Base.
Previous Attempts and Future Plans
While the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) denied Oklo an operating license in 2022, the company plans to reapply in late 2025, with hopes of receiving approval in 2027. In 2023, an initial agreement was made for Oklo to build a microreactor at Eielson by the end of 2027, but the military later withdrew the intent to award Oklo a contract exceeding $100 million.
- Key Benefit: Independent operation from the grid.
- Electricity Output Up to 75 megawatts of electricity and usable heat.
- Next Steps: Oklo plans to reapply for NRC operating license in late 2025.
The project is crucial for the U.S. military which is seeking to use the new nuclear contracts. This was further enabled after President Donald Trump signed executive orders that would further boost nuclear power.