Oklo shares jump as NRC fast-tracks design criteria for Aurora powerhouse

Investing.com -- Shares of Oklo Inc (NYSE: OKLO) climbed over 6% at the opening bell on Wednesday following a significant regulatory breakthrough for the advanced nuclear technology firm. The California-based company announced that the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved the Principal Design Criteria topical report for its Aurora powerhouse project in Idaho.

The approval establishes a formal regulatory framework that defines fundamental safety, reliability, and performance requirements for the company's future reactor designs. By securing this report, Oklo can now reference these established standards in future applications, effectively reducing the need for repetitive regulatory reviews.

Federal regulators completed the review of the topical report in less than half the traditional timeline typically required for such assessments. Efficiency was evident from the start, as the NRC accepted the report for review in just 15 days, significantly faster than the standard 30- to 60-day window.

“This milestone reflects strong work by the Oklo team and timely engagement by the regulator," said Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte. “Performance-based licensing, clear criteria, and efficient reviews are important to advancing modern nuclear projects safely and responsibly.”

The accelerated schedule aligns with broader federal efforts to modernize licensing pathways following executive orders issued in May 2025 to streamline energy procedures. It also reflects the mandates of the ADVANCE Act, which seeks to create a more efficient deployment path for the next generation of American nuclear technology.

Oklo is currently working to deliver clean energy at scale through fast fission power plants and domestic fuel recycling initiatives. The company previously made history as the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant.

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