Lightbridge and Oklo aim to co-locate fuel fabrication facilities

Tuesday, 28 January 2025

Lightbridge Fuel is a proprietary next-generation nuclear fuel technology for existing light water reactors and pressurised heavy water reactors. The company says the metallic fuel rods - which operate at a lower temperature than standard fuel - are significantly more economical and safer than traditional fuel, and also offer enhanced proliferation resistance. It is also developing Lightbridge Fuel for new small modular reactors. Lightbridge's fuel technology has been developed with support from the US Department of Energy through its Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear programme.

Oklo's model is to build, own and operate its Aurora powerhouse reactors which it says will range from 15 MWe to 50 MWe and be scalable - it will be selling power rather than power plants. Its design is a fast neutron reactor that uses heat pipes to transport heat from the reactor core to a supercritical carbon dioxide power conversion system to generate electricity. It uses metallic fuel to produce up to 50 MWe as well as producing usable heat, and can operate on fuel made from fresh high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) or used nuclear fuel.

In October the US Department of Energy (DOE) approved the Conceptual Safety Design Report for Oklo's proposed Aurora Fuel Fabrication Facility at Idaho National Laboratory, at a site which will also feature an Aurora powerhouse reactor. The fuel will be fabricated using HALEU recovered from used fuel from the DOE Experimental Breeder Reactor-II, which operated at Idaho National Laboratory from 1964 to 1994. Oklo has been granted access to 5 tonnes of HALEU as part of a cooperative agreement with the laboratory that was competitively awarded in 2019. The DOE will retain ownership of the HALEU both during and after its use.

Seth Grae, president and CEO of Lightbridge, said: "This collaboration with Oklo represents an important strategic step in shaping the future of clean energy. The potential co-location of our commercial fuel fabrication facilities could offer significant synergies in terms of upfront capital expenditures and ongoing operating costs. Furthermore, exploring advanced fuel recycling opportunities with Oklo aligns perfectly with our commitment to sustainable nuclear energy solutions."

Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo, said: "Collaborating with Lightbridge represents a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation across the nuclear supply chain. The potential to co-locate facilities and collaborate on cutting-edge technologies is aligned with our commitment to delivering cost-effective, carbon-free energy solutions. Together, we are exploring new frontiers in nuclear fuel development and recycling to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable energy future."