U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission accelerates approval! Oklo's core design criteria approved, Idaho nuclear power plant enters fast track

America’s nuclear power rising star Oklo has achieved an important regulatory milestone as its core design criteria report for the Aurora nuclear plant was approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), with an approval timeline less than half of the traditional process.

The NRC accelerated the review timetable for the report, removing a key barrier for Oklo’s subsequent permit applications for the under-construction Aurora plant in Idaho. Once approved, the report can be directly referenced in future applications without repeated review of established content, greatly reducing the time required for follow-up license processes. Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte stated that this milestone reflects the solid work of the Oklo team and efficient collaboration with the regulator.

The expedited approval aligns closely with recent U.S. federal government efforts to modernize nuclear licensing, further reinforcing market expectations of a quicker commercialization process for advanced nuclear energy.

Approval Speed: Less Than Half the Traditional Cycle

This NRC review of Oklo's Primary Design Criteria (PDC) report set a notable record for time efficiency.

According to Oklo’s announcement, the report’s review timeline was less than half of the traditional review period. Additionally, the NRC issued a notice of acceptance just 15 days after Oklo’s submission, whereas this step typically takes 30 to 60 days.

The main function of the PDC report is to establish a regulatory framework, clearly defining the essential safety, reliability, and performance requirements that future reactor licensing and design activities must follow. After approval, it can be directly referenced in subsequent permit applications, avoiding repeated review of confirmed content and systematically shortening the overall licensing process.

Policy Tailwind: Multiple Federal Supports

The approval acceleration is not an isolated event, but a direct reflection of the recent surge in U.S. federal nuclear policy.

The NRC’s accelerated review aligns with the streamlined licensing goals set by the executive order issued in May 2025. At the same time, the “ADVANCE Act” clearly requires a more efficient pathway for the deployment of advanced nuclear technology.

Jacob DeWitte stated, “Performance-based licensing mechanisms, clear standards, and efficient reviews are critical for safely and responsibly advancing modern nuclear projects.” This policy combination shows that federal support for nuclear innovation is continuing to strengthen.

Oklo is an advanced nuclear technology company focused on fast fission nuclear plant development, with business covering clean energy supply, building a domestic U.S. supply chain for key isotopes, and nuclear fuel cycle utilization.

The company has previously become the first to obtain siting permits for commercial advanced fission plants from the U.S. Department of Energy, and has received fuel authorization from the Idaho National Laboratory. It has also submitted the first customized joint permit application for advanced reactors to the NRC. Oklo is currently collaborating with the DOE and national labs to advance research in advanced fuel cycle technology.

Approval of the PDC report is a key step for the Aurora nuclear plant to move from construction to commercial operation, and provides Oklo a critical first-mover regulatory advantage in the commercialization race for advanced nuclear energy.

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