US-based Oklo has announced that the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has approved the Principal Design Criteria (PDC) topical report for the Aurora powerhouse currently under construction in Idaho.
The PDC topical report was approved on an accelerated review schedule, reflecting the regulator’s efforts to modernise licensing pathways for advanced reactors while maintaining stringent safety standards. The report was approved in less than half the traditional review timeline. Oklo also received notice of the report’s acceptance in just 15 days compared to the typical 30- to 60-day period following submission to the regulator.
The review of the topical report in the shortened timeframe aligns with the NRC’s efforts to modernize its review process following executive orders issued in May 2025 to streamline licensing procedures. It also follows the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act, or ADVANCE Act, which calls for a more efficient path to deployment for advanced nuclear technology. These steps reflect a strong federal focus on innovation in the US nuclear sector.
The approval clears the path for the report to be referenced in future applications and reduces the need to re-review established material. Oklo’s PDC topical report establishes a regulatory framework that defines the fundamental safety, reliability, and performance requirements to guide future reactor licensing and design activities.
“This milestone reflects strong work by the Oklo team and timely engagement by the regulator,” said Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte. “Performance-based licensing, clear criteria, and efficient reviews are important to advancing modern nuclear projects safely and responsibly.”
