Advanced fuel production opportunities under consideration for further co-location by Oklo and Lightbridge
Oklo and Lightbridge Form Strategic Collaboration for Advanced Nuclear Fuel Manufacturing
In a significant move for the nuclear energy sector, Oklo and Lightbridge have announced a strategic collaboration to explore the co-location of a Lightbridge fuel fabrication facility within Oklo’s planned advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing site at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls.
The initiative, based on a memorandum of understanding signed earlier in 2025, aims to accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear fuels through joint fuel fabrication and research and development (R&D). The collaboration is not directly related to their Q2 earnings results, which were announced separately for both companies.
The proposed co-located facility is planned to support the production of advanced fuels for both fast reactors and traditional light water reactors, acting also as a joint R&D hub for advanced fuel technologies. This effort aligns with recent U.S. executive orders calling for accelerated domestic nuclear energy deployment and the Secretary of Energy's directive to process surplus plutonium for use in advanced reactor fuel.
Oklo’s CEO Jacob DeWitte emphasizes that the collaboration is key to building infrastructure to fuel new nuclear development, enhancing near- and mid-term advanced reactor fuel supplies, and supporting U.S. fuel independence goals. Lightbridge’s expertise in advanced fuel technology complements Oklo’s manufacturing plans and aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and foster innovation in sustainable nuclear fuel solutions.
In addition to commercial fuel production, the co-located site would serve as a joint R&D hub for advanced fuel development. The exact location of the co-located facility has not been specified in the announcement. The collaboration reinforces both companies' commitment to U.S. leadership in advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing and recycling.
The collaboration involves exploring the potential co-location of a Lightbridge fuel fabrication facility within Oklo’s planned advanced fuel manufacturing facility. The companies are jointly assessing the feasibility of commercial-scale fuel fabrication within Oklo’s planned fuel manufacturing infrastructure. The initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of advanced nuclear fuels, including those derived from legacy nuclear materials.
This collaboration advances U.S. energy security by fostering domestic nuclear fuel manufacturing and recycling capabilities, supporting advanced reactor commercialization, and improving nuclear fuel supply chain resilience through integrated manufacturing and R&D efforts focused on innovative fuels.
Technology plays a crucial role in the collaboration between Oklo and Lightbridge, as the partnership is aimed at accelerating the commercialization of advanced nuclear fuels through joint fuel fabrication and research and development (R&D). The co-located facility, planned for Oklo’s advanced nuclear fuel manufacturing site, will support the production of advanced fuels for both fast reactors and traditional light water reactors, acting as a joint R&D hub for advanced fuel technologies, promoting innovation in sustainable nuclear fuel solutions.
