Oklo and Lightbridge to study co-locating advanced fuel fabrication using legacy materials
Reston, Va. — Oklo Inc. and Lightbridge Corporation announced today they will jointly evaluate the feasibility of co-locating a Lightbridge fuel fabrication operation inside Oklo’s planned advanced fuel manufacturing facility. The work flows from a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this year and focuses on accelerating commercial-scale production of advanced reactor fuels, including manufacture using repurposed plutonium from legacy materials.
The study aims to determine whether Oklo’s planned manufacturing infrastructure can support fabrication for both fast reactors and light water reactors while serving as a joint R&D hub. The partners say the collaboration aligns with recent federal direction: a series of White House executive orders in May 2025 directed the Department of Energy to establish a program to process surplus plutonium and make it available for advanced reactor fuel.
Quotes from leadership
– “We’re building the infrastructure to help fuel new nuclear development and deployment,” said Jacob DeWitte, Co-Founder and CEO of Oklo. He emphasized using legacy materials such as down-blended uranium and repurposed plutonium to bolster near- and mid-term advanced reactor fuel supplies.
– “This joint effort reflects a shared vision for a modern nuclear fuel cycle—one that supports both existing and advanced reactors and strengthens America’s energy resilience,” said Seth Grae, President and CEO of Lightbridge Corporation.
What the collaboration would do
– Assess commercial-scale fuel fabrication co-located with Oklo’s planned manufacturing plant.
– Support production of advanced fuels for fast reactors and light water reactors.
– Provide a shared R&D hub to advance fuel technology and help build a domestic supply chain for next-generation nuclear fuels.
– Pursue use of repurposed plutonium and down-blended uranium consistent with federal policy encouraging conversion of surplus materials into reactor fuel.
Why co-location matters
Co-locating fabrication and R&D can reduce logistical complexity, lower costs by sharing infrastructure and skilled labor, shorten supply chains, and speed iteration between design, testing, and production. For strategic materials such as repurposed plutonium, co-location also could reduce transport requirements and improve safeguards and security logistics, though it would require robust regulatory and nonproliferation oversight.
Regulatory and program context
The companies’ plan is explicitly forward-looking and contingent on further feasibility work and regulatory approvals. The May 2025 executive guidance calling for DOE action to process surplus plutonium provides policy momentum that could help make legacy materials available for advanced fuel programs; however, fabrication and use of repurposed plutonium will be subject to DOE, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and other agency requirements, as well as established safeguards and nonproliferation controls.
About the companies (concise)
– Oklo is developing advanced fast fission power plants, pursuing advanced fuel recycling, and has engaged with DOE and national laboratories on advanced fuel work. Oklo has previously received a DOE site use permit for a commercial advanced fission plant and has been active in licensing efforts with the NRC.
– Lightbridge develops next-generation nuclear fuel technologies intended to improve safety, economics, and performance in existing and new reactor designs. The company has collaborated with DOE’s Idaho National Laboratory and participated in DOE-funded development programs.
Additional comments and logical explanation
– Potential benefits: If feasible, the co-located facility could help establish a domestic industrial base for advanced fuels, improve U.S. energy resilience, reduce nuclear waste by repurposing legacy materials, and support deployment of both advanced and existing reactors.
– Key challenges: The effort will face regulatory, technical, security, and nonproliferation hurdles. Successful deployment will depend on DOE and NRC approvals, secure handling and transport protocols for repurposed plutonium, and commercial viability of advanced fuel products.
– Likely near-term steps: detailed engineering and economic feasibility studies, regulatory engagement, community and stakeholder outreach, and pilot or demonstration activities in partnership with DOE and national labs.
Short summary
Oklo and Lightbridge will jointly assess whether Lightbridge can colocate a fuel fabrication facility within Oklo’s planned manufacturing site to produce advanced reactor fuels—including from repurposed plutonium—supporting both commercial production and joint R&D. The initiative aligns with recent federal direction to process surplus plutonium for reactor fuel but will require feasibility work and regulatory approvals.
Hopeful perspective
The proposed collaboration represents a practical route to convert legacy materials into useful fuel, potentially reducing waste, strengthening domestic supply chains, and accelerating deployment of advanced nuclear technology—supporting decarbonization and energy security goals while building U.S. manufacturing capacity and R&D capability.