Oak Ridge National Laboratory technicians and researchers perform work inside the Low Activation Materials Development and Analysis Laboratory. (Photo courtesy Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy)
SANTA CLARA, Calif.—Oklo Inc., an advanced nuclear technology company, reported that it is participating in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Voucher Program, which is expected to support the evaluation and testing of advanced structural materials for Oklo’s Aurora powerhouse.
The initiative, part of the Technology Commercialization Fund and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, aims to enhance efficiencies in manufacturing, supply chain, and overall scalability as Oklo accelerates the deployment of its commercial powerhouses. ENERGYWERX will manage the DOE’s Voucher Program in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oklo stated in a release.
This collaboration leverages DOE-funded vouchers to conduct advanced material characterization and real-world testing to validate high-performance materials that will support Oklo’s fast reactor designs. The project builds on decades of operational data from fast reactor systems to unlock additional performance, optimize manufacturing processes, and enhance supply chain robustness, the company said.
“We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with the DOE and National Laboratories, including this latest opportunity facilitated through the DOE’s Voucher Program,” said Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo, in a statement. “This project helps us refine proven fast reactor technologies to deliver scalable, cost-effective clean energy solutions that empower our customers to meet their energy goals sustainably. With 14 gigawatts of announced customers and partners in our pipeline, we believe we are well positioned to address growing energy demands across diverse applications.”
The DOE’s Voucher Program connects companies like Oklo with National Laboratories to help advance R&D activities. Through in-kind support, the program provides access to testing facilities, expert consultation, and analytical resources.
“Through connecting organizations to the support they need, we believe these collaborations will deliver clean energy solutions that benefit communities across the country,” said Vanessa Z. Chan, Ph.D., Chief Commercialization Officer, and Director of the DOE Office of Technology Transitions, in the release.