Advanced nuclear developer Oklo has taken a major step to secure its fuel supply by signing a letter of intent with Centrus Energy.
This agreement outlines a plan for Centrus, the only licensed U.S. producer of High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU), to supply this critical fuel for up to five of Oklo's Aurora reactors, starting in 2029. This is a significant development because HALEU is essential for many next-generation reactors, but its supply chain has been a major bottleneck. This deal directly connects a promising reactor developer with a secure, domestic fuel source.
So, what made this deal possible now? There are three key drivers. First is the supportive government policy. The U.S. recently banned imports of Russian uranium and unlocked $2.7 billion in federal funding to build a domestic supply chain. Centrus received a $900 million task order to scale up its HALEU production facility in Piketon, Ohio. This government backing provides the financial foundation and clear timeline for Centrus to deliver the fuel by 2029.
Second, there's a strong commercial and logistical logic. Oklo is partnering with Meta to develop a massive 1.2 GW power campus in southern Ohio, conveniently located near Centrus's Piketon plant. This co-location creates powerful synergies, streamlining the fuel supply chain from enrichment to the power plant and reducing transportation costs and complexities. It's a textbook example of strategic industrial planning.
Third, Oklo has gained significant regulatory momentum. In just the last two months, the company has secured key safety and design approvals from both the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). These milestones substantially de-risk the Aurora reactor project, making it the perfect time to formalize a long-term fuel agreement.
In essence, this letter of intent isn't just a business deal. It represents the convergence of national policy, strategic siting, and regulatory progress, turning the vision of an American advanced nuclear ecosystem into a concrete, scheduled reality.
- HALEU (High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium): A type of nuclear fuel enriched to between 5% and 20%, required by many advanced reactor designs.
- NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission): The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating commercial nuclear power plants and other uses of nuclear materials.
- DOE (Department of Energy): A U.S. cabinet-level department concerned with national energy policy and nuclear safety.