NRC accepts Oklo’s reactor design criteria for accelerated review

Published 30/09/2025, 13:58
NRC accepts Oklo’s reactor design criteria for accelerated review

SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Advanced nuclear technology company Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO), currently valued at $17.2 billion, announced Tuesday that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has accepted its Principal Design Criteria (PDC) topical report for review under an expedited timeline. According to InvestingPro data, the company maintains a strong balance sheet with more cash than debt, though analysts do not expect profitability this year.

The NRC accepted Oklo’s submission in 15 days, significantly faster than the typical 30-60 day review period, and proposed a reduced review schedule with a draft evaluation expected in early 2026 - less than half the traditional timeline.

The PDC topical report establishes regulatory requirements for safety, reliability, and performance that will guide future reactor licensing. Once approved, the document can be referenced in future applications, potentially streamlining the licensing process.

"This is a reflection of the work by the Oklo team, and the NRC’s commitment to timely oversight," said Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte in the press release.

The accelerated review aligns with recent federal initiatives to modernize nuclear licensing processes. Executive orders issued in May 2025 directed agencies to streamline licensing while maintaining safety standards, while the Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act (ADVANCE Act) supports clearer pathways to deployment.

Oklo is developing fast fission power plants and was the first company to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant. The company is also working on nuclear fuel recycling technologies in collaboration with the Department of Energy and National Laboratories.

The acceptance of the PDC report represents a step in the company’s efforts to establish a regulatory framework for its advanced reactor technology as it pursues commercial deployment. The stock has shown remarkable momentum, with a 448.8% year-to-date return, though InvestingPro analysis suggests the shares are currently trading above their Fair Value. Investors seeking detailed insights can access comprehensive Pro Research Reports covering 1,400+ top stocks, including Oklo, transforming complex data into actionable intelligence.

In other recent news, Oklo Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Swedish company Blykalla AB, which includes a $5 million investment commitment. This collaboration aims to enhance technology development, supply-chain coordination, and regulatory knowledge-sharing in the advanced nuclear sector. The partnership involves Oklo co-leading Blykalla’s next investment round, focusing on materials, components, and licensing practices across the U.S. and Sweden. Additionally, Oklo has completed full-scale flow testing of a prototypical fuel assembly at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory. This testing is part of efforts to validate computer models and advance Oklo’s fuel assembly design toward production. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs has initiated coverage on Oklo with a Neutral rating and a $117 price target, suggesting a potential downside from current levels. Oklo is progressing with its Aurora Powerhouse, a sodium-cooled fast fission nuclear reactor, with commercialization expected by late 2027 or early 2028.

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