Oklo Shares Rise After DOE Advances Surplus Plutonium Program Talks

Oklo Inc. (NYSE:OKLO) shares are trading higher Tuesday after the company announced it has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy for advanced negotiations under the Surplus Plutonium Utilization Program.

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Oklo, newcleo Pursue Advanced Fuel Deployment

The program is intended to make designated surplus plutonium material available to industry participants and support the conversion of those materials into fuel for advanced nuclear reactors, subject to U.S. security, safeguards and material accountability requirements.

Oklo said the selection supports its broader fuel strategy by creating another potential pathway to source fuel while domestic enrichment and fuel infrastructure continue scaling.

The company said it plans to work with newcleo under the program. Oklo would lead the utilization of surplus plutonium, while newcleo would contribute fuel experience and potential project capital, subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approvals.

Oklo and newcleo said the initiative could help convert surplus material into fuel for advanced reactors capable of generating electricity through fission under stringent security and safeguards requirements.

"Fuel supply constraints are a key throttle to advanced reactor development," said 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."

The announcement builds on a strategic partnership between Oklo and newcleo announced in October 2025 to develop advanced fuel fabrication infrastructure in the U.S., including potential work related to surplus plutonium. The partnership includes a potential investment of up to $2 billion through a newcleo-affiliated vehicle, subject to industry conditions and agreements.

Oklo noted that newcleo also initiated pre-application engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in February 2026 for an advanced fuel fabrication facility and a lead-cooled fast reactor design intended for future deployment in the U.S. market.

Oklo Shares Gain

OKLO Price Action: At the time of publication, Oklo shares are trading 10.38% higher at $72.72, according to data from Benzinga Pro.

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