Core Insights - Oklo Inc. is transforming surplus plutonium from a Cold War liability into a potential energy asset, with federal support favoring its repurposing into advanced reactor fuel to address domestic fuel shortages [1][10] - Fast-spectrum reactors are crucial as they can utilize plutonium as fuel, reducing storage needs and accelerating the deployment of next-generation nuclear power [1][2] Group 1: Company Developments - Oklo has received federal approval for early safety work on its fuel fabrication facility, allowing construction to commence and aligning fuel production with reactor development [2][10] - The company has conducted fast-spectrum plutonium criticality tests with Los Alamos National Laboratory, producing updated safety data that confirms the safe use of surplus plutonium in commercial reactors [3][10] - Oklo's shares have surged over 250% this year, significantly outperforming the industry [8] Group 2: Industry Trends - Entergy Corporation is advancing next-generation nuclear technology, having obtained a permit for a potential reactor site in Mississippi and exploring partnerships for deploying small modular reactors (SMRs) [4] - Dominion Energy is also progressing with SMR technology, signing an MOU with Amazon to study the installation of SMRs at its North Anna facility in Virginia to meet rising electricity demand from AI data centers [5]
OKLO and Surplus Plutonium: A New Catalyst for Nuclear Growth