Oklo officially breaks ground on its first aurora powerhouse at the Idaho National Laboratory Site Monday morning.
The development of the reactor has been an on going project for the last several years.
The first reactors created at the powerhouse will be fueled with recycled materials.
The project is expected to create over 300 construction jobs, and over 70 highly skilled jobs once the powerhouse is in operation.
The event began with remarks from co-founder and CEO Dr. Jake Dewitte and other INL leadership.
Keynote speakers including Idaho Governor Brad Little…Utah Governor Spencer Cox….US Senator Jim Risch and Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper got to speak about the historical event.
INL director Dr. John Wagner says the groundbreaking event marks a new chapter in nuclear energy for both Idaho and for the U.S.
“Nuclear Electricity was first demonstrated here, right here in Idaho, it literally changed the world.” Says Dr. John Wagner. “And it’s been a while since we’ve done that. And so this is marking a new chapter in our history with respect to demonstrating novel, innovative nuclear technologies with the Oklo company.”
U.S. Congressman Michael Simpson says advanced nuclear energy has been a long time push for the United States.
“We’ve been trying to push nuclear and advanced nuclear energy for a long time. This is really the first project that we’ve had out here for a long time.” Says Michael Simpson. “And now with the presence executive orders, which he signed earlier this year four executive orders on nuclear power. Idaho National Lab is the only one that was actually mentioned in these four executive orders”
