Oklo’s Groves-1 to Begin Research and Demonstration Phase after being Cleared by U.S. Department of Energy for Unrestricted Operations
Business Wire•11/11/2026•07:30 ET
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Key Highlights
- ➤DOE cleared Groves-1 for unrestricted research, testing, and training operations
- ➤Groves-1 reached first criticality less than a year after groundbreaking
- ➤Groves-1 will support Aurora reactor development and future isotope projects
- ➤Groves-2 Forge will focus initially on lutetium-177 isotope production
- ➤Oklo (OKLO) plans to use Groves-1 for nuclear personnel training and equipment testing
Expert Statements
Jacob DeWitte, CEO and co-founder of Oklo
“Taking Groves-1 from greenfield to criticality in less than a year was an important demonstration of what our team can accomplish”
Jacob DeWitte, CEO and co-founder of Oklo
“Now we're building on that experience by operating the reactor, testing new capabilities, and learning directly from the work. Those lessons can help us develop the people, systems, and processes needed as we advance additional isotope projects and Aurora powerhouses.”
Chimi Zacot, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors
“DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program reset the nuclear industry’s expectations for how quickly we can move from advanced reactor design to demonstration while upholding best-in-class safety standards.”
Chimi Zacot, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Reactors
“Successes like Groves-1's criticality are now paving the way for what comes next.”
Oklo’s Groves-1 to Begin Research and Demonstration Phase after being Cleared by U.S. Department of Energy for Unrestricted Operations
Groves-1 to transition from reactor deployment demonstration to operating platform for research, testing, and training.
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