Oklo Inc.'s CEO has raised concerns about workforce constraints threatening the timeline for deploying its small modular reactors, with the company targeting commercial operation of its first unit by 2028. The challenge underscores broader industry hurdles in scaling clean energy infrastructure.
- Oklo Aurora reactor targets commercial operation by 2028
- 350 specialized roles required for Oklo's Idaho project, many currently unfilled
- Industry faces 70,000 professional shortfall by 2030, with only 12,000 new nuclear engineers projected annually
- Oklo’s training initiative aims to produce 150 technicians by 2027
- Project delays could extend by up to 18 months due to labor constraints
- Oklo stock declined 7% following CEO’s labor warning
Oklo Inc. faces a critical bottleneck in advancing its small modular reactor (SMR) program, as CEO Carlos Rubiera highlighted labor shortages as a primary obstacle. The company is currently developing the Oklo Aurora reactor in Idaho, aiming for commercial operation by 2028. Despite strong regulatory progress and design approvals, skilled labor gaps in nuclear engineering, construction, and safety certification are slowing project execution. The nuclear energy sector is experiencing a generational workforce transition. Industry-wide, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission estimates a need for over 70,000 nuclear professionals by 2030, yet only 12,000 new nuclear engineers are expected to graduate annually. Oklo’s project requires 350 specialized roles—many with radioactive handling certifications—currently unfilled. This labor deficit could delay the Aurora unit’s commissioning by up to 18 months, according to internal projections. Oklo has secured $350 million in funding and is partnering with Idaho National Laboratory and the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. However, the company’s ability to meet its deployment targets hinges on rapid workforce development. The company has launched a training initiative with three universities to produce 150 qualified technicians by 2027, but scaling this effort remains a challenge. Market participants are watching closely. Investor confidence in the SMR segment has dipped slightly since the announcement, with Oklo’s stock down 7% over the past two weeks. Utilities and grid operators relying on new nuclear capacity to meet 2035 clean energy goals are also affected, as delays could impact regional grid reliability and decarbonization targets.