Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power will collaborate with Oklo, a California-based nuclear technology company, on the development and global launch of the latter’s planned Aurora nuclear power plant under a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and South Korean companies.
The MOU calls for KHNP to deploy its nuclear energy expertise in plant operation and construction in their joint efforts to mature Auroras’ standard design and advance its verification, Oklo said in its announcement of the partnership Tuesday.
Other areas of cooperation in the early-stage project development between the two companies include planning and assessments in the manufacturability and constructability of principal equipment and developing and balancing the system’s supply chain.
Small Modular Reactor Design
Oklo focuses on the development of fast fission power plants capable of providing clean, dependable and affordable energy. The company designed its Aurora system as a 75-megawatt electric small modular reactor and is planning to deploy it at the Idaho National Laboratory’s campus.
The system is undergoing the Pre-Application Readiness Assessment of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and Oklo plans to submit later in 2025 a formal Combined License Application, or COLA. With the COLA, Aurora will be granted both construction and operating licenses, the company said.
Commercialization as Top Priority
Jacob DeWitte, Oklo co-founder and CEO, noted that commercialization is the company’s top priority, and it has completed the site preparation for building the first commercial Aurora powerhouse. He pointed out that KHNP, as partner, is bringing in “experience in delivering projects at scale,” complementing Oklo’s efforts and helping efficiency in Aurora’s advance to commercialization and faster construction of future powerhouses.
In January, Oklo was included in the eight companies selected to deliver safe and secure nuclear power under the U.S. Department of Defense’s Advanced Nuclear Power for Installations.