US-based nuclear power and fuel recycling company Oklo has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to collaborate on the development of 4th-generation SMR technology. The two companies followed up with a meeting at KHNP headquarters in Gyeongju to explore detailed cooperation strategies.
KHNP and Oklo intend to explore opportunities to jointly advance the standard design development and verification of Oklo’s planned Aurora powerhouse. They also plan to cooperate on early-stage project development efforts, including manufacturability assessments and planning of major equipment, supply chain development for balance of plant systems, and constructability assessments and planning.
Oklo plans to deploy its 75 MWe Aurora powerhouse at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site and is currently advancing through the licensing process. The company is engaged with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in a Pre-Application Readiness Assessment and intends to submit a formal Combined Licence Application (COLA) later this year. Oklo also plans to file follow-on applications to support its growing order pipeline, which exceeds 14 GW. Unlike the traditional approach, which requires separate construction and operating licences, the COLA allows both to be granted simultaneously, streamlining the process.
“We’ve recently completed site characterisation borehole drilling for our first commercial powerhouse and are preparing for construction, with commercialisation as a top priority,” said Jacob DeWitte, Oklo Co-Founder & CEO. “Partnering with KHNP, one of the most accomplished nuclear builders in the world, who have been building nuclear power plants continuously since 1971, offers meaningful opportunities to align on key execution factors such as manufacturability, constructability, and supply chain development. Their experience in delivering projects at scale can complement our efforts and help us move more efficiently toward commercialisation and the ability to build future powerhouses faster.”
KHNP President & CEO Whang Ju-ho stated, “We are striving to ensure Korea’s innovative SMR (i-SMR) achieves world-class competitiveness through continued technology development. In the rapidly evolving 4th-generation SMR market, where safety remains a top priority, close cooperation with global technology leaders is essential to secure early market entry.” He added, “By combining the strengths of leading US SMR companies and KHNP, we anticipate powerful synergy in the design, construction, and operation of next-generation SMRs.”
