Oklo targets 2030 for Alaska's first small nuclear reactor at Eielson

Oklo is building Alaska's first small modular reactor at Eielson Air Force Base, with construction starting in 2027 and commercial operation targeted for 2030.

The Aurora Powerhouse will provide 5 megawatts of electricity and 50,000 to 100,000 pounds per hour of steam to the base. The reactor is a 60-megawatt thermal dual-purpose system roughly equivalent to 15 megawatts electric, depending on how the energy is utilized.

The project will begin NEPA activities and NRC licensing submissions in June 2026, with site work starting in 2027. Major building construction is planned for 2028. The company is targeting commercial operation in 2030.

Construction is expected to create over 300 jobs during build-out and 70 to 80 permanent positions once operational. The reactor will be located at the Spruce Lake area on the base.

Technology and design

The technology is based on proven fast reactor design with 400-plus cumulative reactor years of global operating experience. The design builds on the legacy of the EBR-2 reactor, which operated successfully for 30 years.

Unlike traditional nuclear plants, the Aurora Powerhouse does not require massive cooling towers or large bodies of water. Its design allows for compact footprint, lower material use, and strong inherent safety characteristics through operation at atmospheric pressure with a very high boiling point coolant.

Company background

Oklo founders Jacob DeWitt and Caroline Cochran identified rural Alaska as a primary market for advanced nuclear technology early in the company's development. The company worked with Launch Alaska about seven years ago to explore bringing advanced nuclear to rural communities.

When the Department of Defense opened opportunities to deploy advanced nuclear reactors on military bases with focus on Arctic and Alaska environments, Oklo competed for and won the Eielson contract.

The company operates on a design, build, own, and operate model, selling electricity and energy services directly to customers like utilities, data centers, industrial users, and military installations.