Oklo Inc., a pioneer in next-generation nuclear energy, has entered into a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP). This collaboration aims to jointly develop and expand the deployment of Oklo’s 75 MWe Aurora powerhouse—a compact, advanced fission reactor designed for clean and reliable power generation.
KHNP, a global leader in nuclear operations and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), brings decades of operational and construction expertise to the table. Together, the two companies plan to explore a wide range of initiatives to fast-track commercial deployment, including the standard design and verification process of the Aurora reactor.
Oklo and KHNP Nuclear Deal: Key Areas of Collaboration
The press release mentions that under the MOU, Oklo and KHNP will focus on early-stage development for Aurora. Their joint work will include:
- Standard Design Development – Coordinating on technical specifications and regulatory compliance.
- Manufacturability & Equipment Planning – Assessing production capabilities and supply chain planning for major reactor components.
- Constructability Studies – Identifying best practices for efficient and cost-effective project execution.
- Balance of Plant System Development – Coordinating efforts to enhance overall system integration.
This partnership aligns with both companies’ shared goal of expanding safe, carbon-free energy to global markets while addressing rising energy demands and climate targets.
Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo, emphasized,
“We’ve recently completed site characterization borehole drilling for our first commercial powerhouse and are preparing for construction, with commercialization as a top priority. Partnering with KHNP, one of the most accomplished nuclear builders in the world, who have been building nuclear power plants continuously since 1971, offers meaningful opportunities to align on key execution factors such as manufacturability, constructability, and supply chain development. Their experience in delivering projects at scale can complement our efforts and help us move more efficiently toward commercialization and the ability to build future powerhouses faster.”
Oklo’s Licensing and Deployment Progress
Oklo is moving forward with plans to deploy its Aurora powerhouse at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). On March 20, Oklo announced the launch of its first commercial powerhouse in Idaho. The company signed an MoA with the U.S. DOE and an Interface Agreement (IAG) with Idaho National Laboratory (INL). These agreements ensure Oklo follows all environmental rules while preparing the site.
The 75 MWe reactor is currently advancing through the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) Pre-Application Readiness Assessment. Oklo intends to submit its formal Combined License Application (COLA) later this year—a process that allows for a simultaneous grant of construction and operating permits, reducing delays common in traditional nuclear licensing.
The company has also built a robust commercial pipeline, with planned follow-on license applications to support over 14 GW of future deployment capacity.
This order volume underscores growing global interest in small, advanced nuclear systems that can deliver round-the-clock clean power.
Aurora Reactor Sets New Standards in Clean Energy
Oklo provides clean energy 24/7 to data centers, factories, industrial sites, communities, and defense facilities. It supplies heat and power through power purchase agreements.
The Aurora Powerhouse will deliver reliable, clean energy to customers and will use recycled fuel made at the Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility. The facility will process recovered nuclear material from the EBR-II reactor into fuel for the nearby Aurora Powerhouse.
The fission pioneer also explained that they use advanced recycling techniques to keep transuranic materials together as fuel. This avoids the need to create pure material streams, which is a unique feature of fast reactors.
Notably, it’s the only company that has secured fuel for its first commercial advanced nuclear power plant.
KHNP’s Nuclear Expertise on the Global Stage
KHNP operates Korea’s 21 nuclear power plants (NPPs) and 27 hydroelectric facilities, accounting for nearly 25% of the country’s total power generation infrastructure. The company supplies over 34% of South Korea’s electricity, with a long-standing record of performance and safety.
- Nuclear Fleet Rank: 5th largest worldwide
- Capacity Factor: 90.7% (2010), among the highest globally
- Unplanned Capability Loss Factor: 0.3 (2008–2010), indicating exceptional reliability
- Employees: Approx. 7,600
KHNP’s proprietary Nuclear Plant Construction Management System (NPCMS) has further enhanced the competitiveness of its project execution capabilities, making it a sought-after partner for international nuclear ventures.
Coming back to the deal, KHNP CEO Whang Ju-ho stated,
“KHNP is focusing on developing its innovative domestic advanced nuclear technology, the i-SMR, to achieve world-class competitiveness. In addition to enhancing safety, successful entry into the advanced nuclear market requires cooperation with leading technology firms. By combining the strengths of KHNP and Oklo, we expect to create strong synergy in the design, construction, and operation of advanced nuclear technology.”
A Carbon-Free Power Future
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nuclear energy prevents over 2 billion metric tons of CO2 emissions annually. This makes nuclear power an essential tool in the fight against climate change.
As more power-hungry AI-driven data centers emerge, utilities are increasingly looking at nuclear power for grid reliability. Governments and private firms, including big techs, are investing in advanced nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) to scale nuclear capacity efficiently.
As per EIA, in 2024, the monthly nuclear utility generation was approximately 71 million megawatt hours (MWh).
This collaboration highlights the growing momentum behind nuclear energy as a reliable zero-emission solution. As Oklo advances its Aurora powerhouse with KHNP’s support, the potential to scale nuclear power while minimizing emissions becomes increasingly achievable.
By joining forces, Oklo and KHNP are helping shape the future of nuclear, one that is safer, faster to deploy, and aligned with global climate goals.
