The DOE selected Oklo for a program aimed at converting Cold War-era surplus plutonium into fuel for next-generation nuclear reactors.
For decades, the United States has struggled with what to do with surplus plutonium generated during the Cold War and from dismantled nuclear weapons programs.
Much of the material has remained in long-term storage under strict security controls, with federal agencies exploring costly disposal and containment strategies for years. Now, the U.S. Department of Energy is attempting to turn part of that stockpile into reactor fuel through its Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program. The initiative seeks to convert designated surplus plutonium into fuel for advanced nuclear reactors instead of treating it solely as a long-term waste and security challenge.
As part of that effort, Oklo Inc. entered advanced negotiations with the DOE after the agency selected the company for the program. Oklo was one of five advanced nuclear companies chosen for negotiations, a move that investors viewed as a major step toward securing future reactor fuel supplies. Turning waste into fuel Oklo plans to work with newcleo, a European advanced reactor company that brings fuel development expertise and potential project funding to the effort.
The companies said the program could help transform surplusThey aim to use the material in advanced reactors to generate electricity while consuming it through fission under strict regulatory oversight. Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte“This program creates a pathway to use existing surplus material as bridge fuel for advanced reactors to bring more reactors online sooner,” DeWitte said.
He added that material once intended for disposal could instead support electricity generation through fission. newcleo founder and CEO Stefano Buono described the partnership as part of a broader effort to reduce nuclear liabilities through advanced fuel and reactor technologies.
“The U.S. is taking a visionary approach to the fuel cycle,” Buono said. “We look forward to contributing to it. ”The DOE selection also supports Oklo’s broader fuel sourcing strategy as the U.S. continues expanding domestic enrichment and fuel fabrication capacity. In October 2025, Oklo announced a strategic partnership with newcleo to develop advanced fuel fabrication infrastructure in the United States.tied to surplus plutonium utilization.
The agreement also outlined plans for up to $2 billion in investment through a newcleo-affiliated entity, subject to final documentation and industry conditions.began pre-application engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for an advanced fuel fabrication facility and a lead-cooled fast reactor design intended for the U.S. market. The DOE program arrives as advanced nuclear developers seek reliable fuel supplies to support reactor deployment over the next decade.
Many next-generation reactor companies face uncertainty around fuel availability because domestic enrichment and fabrication infrastructure remains limited. Oklo has positioned fuel access as a central part of its long-term reactor deployment strategy. The company continues exploring multiple supply pathways while the U.S. government pushes to strengthen domestic nuclear fuel capabilities. The DOE negotiations do not guarantee a final agreement.
However, the selection gives Oklo access to a potentially important source of reactor fuel as the advancedGet the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.
Advanced Reactors DOE Newcleo Nuclear Energy Nuclear Fuel Oklo Plutonium Fuel Surplus Plutonium U.S. Department Of Energy
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
US backs rare earth processing plant with $19.3M DOE fundingUSA Rare Earth secures a potential DOE contract for developing US based rare earth refining and processing capabilities.
Read more »
Trump pushed NATO to spend big — now comes the harder question: Can Europe actually fight?NATO defense spending hits Cold War highs after pressure from Trump and Russia's war in Ukraine, but experts say real military capability still lags.
Read more »
US War Crimes Doom the World to Endless War and Chaos?The article discusses the consequences of the US disregarding international law and institutions, leading to a double-edged sword of unlimited military power. It highlights the escalation of conflict between the US and Iran and the potential for endless war and chaos.
Read more »
Tom Hanks' World War II Documentary: 'World War II with Tom Hanks' Premieres on History ChannelTom Hanks, known for his love of World War II, has collaborated with Steven Spielberg to produce three successful television shows and a new documentary series. His latest project, 'World War II with Tom Hanks', is a 20-episode series that follows different arenas of World War II. The series uses state-of-the-art digital backdrops to transport Hanks into war zones.
Read more »