DOE approves safety analysis for Oklo's Groves reactor in Texas

Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO) announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) for the Groves Isotope Test Reactor located in Lockhart, Texas, under the DOE's Reactor Pilot Program.

The DSA is the facility's final safety basis document, covering technical analysis of potential hazards, safety controls, and operating requirements for startup. The approval follows an earlier DOE sign-off on the Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis, which established the facility's preliminary safety basis during design and construction.

With both analyses approved, the project moves into DOE's final pre-startup review, which includes a readiness review and startup approval. Following startup authorization, the facility will be cleared to receive and load nuclear fuel, conduct startup testing, and proceed toward first criticality. Oklo is targeting first criticality for July 2026, less than a year after breaking ground.

Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte said in a statement that Groves is "the first advanced reactor project to receive approval of its Documented Safety Analysis that is on privately owned land, with wholly commercially sourced fuel, equipment, and systems delivered by the private sector."

According to the company, the Groves reactor is intended to support domestic production of isotopes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment, advanced manufacturing, scientific research, space exploration, and national security. The company noted that many isotopes are currently sourced from overseas suppliers or produced in aging domestic facilities.

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