Oklo Gets DOE Start-Up Authorization for Texas Isotope Reactor

The U.S. Department of Energy granted Oklo formal authorization to load nuclear fuel and begin startup testing at the Groves Isotope Test Reactor in Lockhart, Caldwell County, Texas. The approval permits Oklo to move from construction to fuel loading, commissioning activities and steps toward initial criticality.

Company and regulatory filings show the Groves project moved from groundbreaking to regulatory startup clearance in about 10 months, a notably fast timeline for an advanced nuclear facility.

The Groves reactor is designed to produce medical and industrial radioisotopes and to support high-energy physics experiments. Oklo has identified commercial isotope production as a near-term revenue source, with expected outputs targeted at oncology diagnostics and therapy, industrial uses and research applications.

Oklo is also developing small modular reactor technology and proposals for larger power markets, including data center operators seeking reliable, low-carbon baseload electricity.

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Company filings indicate key construction milestones at the Groves site were completed prior to the DOE decision. With authorization in hand, Oklo can begin fuel loading, controlled startup tests and initial criticality checks that precede commercial isotope production.