Oklo, a company focused on advanced nuclear technology, has announced plans to build a groundbreaking nuclear fuel recycling center in Tennessee. This facility will be the first of its kind that is privately funded and aims to tackle the ongoing challenge of what to do with used nuclear fuel.
The project is expected to cost around $1.7 billion and create approximately 800 jobs in the region. Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo, emphasized the importance of fuel in making advanced nuclear energy a reality. He stated that recycling used nuclear fuel at an industrial scale will not only reduce waste but also help create a reliable supply chain for clean energy in the U.S.
The recycling center will focus on recovering energy-bearing materials from spent nuclear fuel. These materials can then be turned into metallic fuel for fast reactors, like Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse. This innovative reactor design is notable for needing to be refueled only once every decade or so, which could lead to more efficient energy production and reduced waste.
The facility comes at a time when the nuclear energy sector faces significant challenges regarding the disposal of spent fuel. Previous proposals, such as the Yucca Mountain repository in Nevada, have faced strong opposition from local leaders. By establishing a recycling center, Oklo hopes to provide a viable solution to this issue.
Collaboration is also on the horizon, as Oklo and the Tennessee Valley Authority are exploring ways to work together, including potential nuclear fuel recycling for the TVA and the development of additional facilities in Tennessee.
Support for the project has been voiced by various figures, including Jason Isaac, CEO of the American Energy Institute, who praised the initiative as a significant step toward cleaner and more affordable energy. Additionally, Steve Milloy, a senior policy fellow at the Energy and Environment Legal Institute, credited former President Donald Trump for promoting advanced nuclear technologies, which he believes played a role in making this project possible.
As the U.S. looks to enhance its energy landscape, this recycling center could represent an important advancement in the nuclear sector, offering a path toward sustainable energy solutions while addressing the challenge of waste disposal.
