Oklo Inc. is positioning itself as a critical energy partner for the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector by deploying small modular reactors capable of delivering 15 megawatts of clean, continuous power. The company's advanced nuclear technology is designed to support data centers requiring reliable, low-carbon energy at scale.
- Each Aurora SMR generates 15 megawatts of electricity
- First unit expected to begin operations in 2028
- Total federal funding: $75 million from DOE
- 10-year operational cycle with no human intervention
- Carbon footprint under 10 g CO2/kWh
- Target deployment sites: Idaho, Texas, Nevada
Oklo Inc. has announced plans to deploy its Aurora small modular reactors (SMRs) at strategic locations across the United States, targeting energy-intensive AI operations. Each Aurora unit is designed to generate 15 megawatts of electricity—enough to power approximately 15,000 homes or a mid-sized data center campus. With AI infrastructure consuming an estimated 40 terawatt-hours annually by 2027, the demand for stable, carbon-free power sources is accelerating. The company’s reactors utilize advanced fuel designs and passive safety systems, enabling operation without human intervention for up to 10 years. Oklo claims the Aurora units can be manufactured off-site and assembled on location in under 18 months, significantly reducing construction timelines compared to traditional nuclear plants. The first commercial unit is expected to begin operations in 2028 at a site in Idaho, with potential for additional deployments in Texas and Nevada. This development responds to growing concerns over energy reliability and sustainability in the AI industry. Major tech firms have already committed to sourcing 100% renewable power for their data centers, but intermittent solar and wind sources cannot meet the 24/7 demand of AI computation. Oklo’s reactors offer a dispatchable, emissions-free alternative, with a projected lifecycle carbon footprint of less than 10 grams of CO2 per kilowatt-hour—comparable to wind and solar. The project is supported by a $75 million federal grant from the Department of Energy’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program. Oklo's technology is also being evaluated for integration with existing power grids and industrial facilities. If successful, the company could play a pivotal role in enabling the next phase of AI expansion while meeting national decarbonization goals.