The Diablo Canyon nuclear plant is in the midst of a relicensing process that, if successful, will keep it running for another 20 years. California's last source of round-the-clock, carbon-free nuclear power is undergoing a rigorous review to gauge whether it can operate in a safe and cost-effective manner without taking a major toll on the local environment. While the review is ongoing, keeping the plant running has become vital with tech companies desperately searching for power and the grid feeling the increasing strain.
Oklo anticipates the collaboration will lead to repeatable templates for future projects as it works toward breaking ground on its first nuclear powerhouse. The company said last week that it had finished its pre-application readiness assessment for Phase 1 of its combined license application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.