Business Wire·Jul 1, 2026, 6:00 AM ET

U.S. Department of Energy Approves Final Safety Analysis for Oklo's Groves Isotope Test Reactor, Advancing the Project Toward Operational Authorization

Oklo Inc. received U.S. Department of Energy approval for the Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) for its Groves Isotope Test Reactor in Texas under the Reactor Pilot Program.
The DSA serves as the final safety basis for the facility, following the earlier approval of the Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis (PDSA).
With both safety documents approved, the project has moved from documentation to the final pre-startup review phase, which includes a readiness review & startup approval.
Oklo targets first criticality for the Groves reactor in July 2026, which will authorize fuel loading, startup testing, & the achievement of a controlled self-sustaining chain reaction.
The Groves facility is the first advanced reactor on privately owned land to receive DSA approval using wholly commercially sourced fuel, equipment, & systems delivered by the private sector.
The pilot reactor aims to strengthen the domestic supply chain for critical isotopes used in cancer treatment, manufacturing, research, space exploration, & national security.
Oklo's CEO Jacob DeWitte stated the milestone demonstrates that advanced nuclear technology can deploy on a commercial timeline with rigorous safety oversight.
Oklo Inc. develops fast fission power plants, establishes domestic isotope supply chains, & advances nuclear fuel recycling technologies.