Oklo and Blykalla Accelerate Next-Generation Small Reactor Development
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Key Takeaways
- Oklo, Blykalla and newcleo are investing between 100 and 200 million US dollars in the development of fast-neutron small reactors, which operate with fast neutrons and can utilize spent nuclear fuel.
- Oklo's Aurora reactor facility is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2027 or early 2028 at Idaho National Laboratory and would be the first completed advanced nuclear reactor in the US.
- The partnership pursues the strategic establishment of a domestic Western supply chain for fuels and critical components to reduce dependence on Russian fuel supply.
- Oklo's project pipeline for microreactors has recently grown by 93 percent and the company has been listed on the stock exchange since 2024 through a SPAC merger.
- Small reactors are considered a promising building block for low-carbon energy supply, but remain in early development stages and face regulatory hurdles as well as public skepticism.
US-based small reactor developer Oklo is expanding its partnership with Swedish nuclear technology company Blykalla. Together with Italian-French conglomerate newcleo, the companies aim to advance the commercialization of a new generation of nuclear power plants. The cooperation envisions investments between 100 and 200 million US dollars, to be directed primarily toward the US fuel ecosystem.
Transatlantic Alliance for Fast Reactors
The collaboration centers on the development of so-called fast-neutron reactors – compact facilities that operate with fast rather than thermal neutrons and can, among other things, utilize spent nuclear fuel. Oklo operates its development program under the supervision of the US Department of Energy at Idaho National Laboratory. The first commercial Aurora reactor facility is scheduled to become operational there in 2027 or early 2028. If successful, it would be the first completed advanced nuclear reactor in the US.
According to the company, the project pipeline for microreactors has recently grown by 93 percent. Stefano Buono, CEO of newcleo, sees the agreement as evidence that the US and Europe can lead together in this sector. The partnership aims to establish a domestic supply chain for critical components and fuels – a strategically important step, as Western countries are currently heavily dependent on Russia for fuel supply.
Connection to Deutsche Telekom Unclear
The original announcement mentions Deutsche Telekom AG in the context of this nuclear partnership. However, a direct connection does not become apparent from the available information. According to its own statements, Deutsche Telekom relies on renewable sources for its energy supply – in the US, for example, through long-term contracts with wind and solar projects as well as virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs). In Germany, the company has clearly positioned itself in favor of nuclear phase-out.
Assessment for Investors
Small reactors are considered a potential building block for low-carbon energy supply, but remain in early development stages. Oklo has been listed on the stock exchange since 2024 through a SPAC merger, with its business model initially focused on research and development. Revenue from commercial facilities is unlikely before the end of the decade at the earliest.
The industry benefits from growing interest in reliable CO2-free energy sources, but continues to face regulatory hurdles and public skepticism. For private investors in German-speaking regions, the sector is highly speculative – investments should only be considered as part of a broadly diversified portfolio strategy.