- Oklo Inc. (OKLO, Financial) appoints Kiewit Nuclear Solutions as the lead constructor for its first Aurora Powerhouse in Idaho.
- The commercial operations for the Aurora-INL are projected to begin between late 2027 and early 2028.
- This partnership underscores Oklo's strategic move to deliver clean and affordable energy using advanced nuclear technology.
Oklo Inc. (OKLO), a leader in advanced nuclear technology, has announced the appointment of Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Co. as the lead constructor for its inaugural commercial Aurora powerhouse. This groundbreaking project will be located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The decision marks a significant advancement in Oklo’s commercialization strategy, aiming to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy.
Under the new Master Services Agreement, Kiewit, a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, will spearhead the design, procurement, and construction phases of the Aurora-INL project. Pre-construction activities are slated to commence in 2025, with commercial operations anticipated around late 2027 to early 2028. This collaboration with Kiewit, selected through a competitive evaluation process emphasizing both technical and construction expertise, is intended to accelerate project timelines, lower costs, and maintain high safety and quality standards.
"Completing key pre-construction milestones, including site characterization work with the U.S. Department of Energy and Idaho National Laboratory, moves us closer to realizing the Aurora powerhouse," said Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo. He emphasized the importance of Kiewit's execution strength in this phase, as Oklo seeks to modernize the construction processes for advanced reactors, differing significantly from traditional nuclear plants.
The Aurora-INL is part of Oklo’s larger deployment pipeline, which includes plans to supply over 14 GW of clean energy to commercial and U.S. government clients. Oklo is fortified by a U.S. Department of Energy-approved site and secured fuel, positioning itself as a frontrunner to deploy advanced nuclear technology in the near term.
Kiewit's President, Mike Rinehart, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting Kiewit’s extensive experience in energy infrastructure as a vital element in bringing Oklo’s innovative vision to life. This alliance highlights a shared commitment to advancing clean energy through secure and efficient project execution.
