Oklo Inc formalises a preferred supplier agreement with Siemens Energy, marking a significant advancement in the development of its liquid metal fast reactor technology for the Aurora powerhouse project.
Oklo Partners with Siemens Energy for Aurora Powerhouse
In a significant step towards advancing its liquid metal fast reactor technology, California-based Oklo Inc has formalised a preferred supplier agreement with renowned steam turbine and generator technology provider, Siemens Energy. This partnership, announced on August 14, 2024, is crucial for the development of Oklo’s advanced fission power project, known as the Aurora powerhouse.
The signing ceremony, which took place at Siemens Energy’s office in Houston, marked a pivotal moment for both companies. Siemens Energy will supply the power conversion system and auxiliary infrastructures essential for the Aurora powerhouse. This partnership is seen as a strategic move to harness economies of scale, thereby driving down overall costs associated with manufacturing, construction, operations, and maintenance.
Oklo aims to standardise equipment across its powerhouses, a move that is anticipated to bring significant savings. By using shared spare parts, the company expects to reduce maintenance downtime, increase reliability, and enhance the overall performance of their reactors.
The formal agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that Oklo and Siemens Energy signed in December of the previous year. This MoU identified Siemens Energy as a potential preferred supplier for the power conversion system of the Aurora powerhouse and outlined provisions for Siemens Energy to offer consulting services to aid in the design of the conventional island, which houses the rotating equipment essential for power conversion.
Oklo has stated that the preferred supplier agreement is a vital component of its supply chain management strategy. By securing this partnership, the company is reinforcing its commitment to delivering cost-efficient and scalable advanced fission technology. The agreement is expected to play a key role in Oklo’s efforts to meet growing customer demand through improved production scalability, cost efficiency, and rapid deployment.
Founded in 2013, Oklo is focused on commercialising its liquid metal fast reactor technology through the Aurora powerhouse. This innovative reactor uses liquid metal as a coolant, capitalising on its high boiling point to operate at elevated temperatures without the need for pressurisation. This design choice allows for the use of commonly available alloys, streamlining the manufacturing process by tapping into existing large-scale supply chains that produce nearly identical components.
Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo, emphasised the company’s approach: “We prioritise cost in our engineering process to fully leverage the advantages of fast fission technology. Our technology is grounded in proven designs, enabling the use of small, pre-fabricated, and non-pressurised components made from readily available materials and existing supply chains. This strategy significantly reduces costs and complexity.”
Oklo has also secured a site use permit from the US Department of Energy for a prototype unit to be constructed at the Idaho National Laboratory, marking another critical milestone in the company’s journey towards commercial deployment.
This agreement with Siemens Energy is a testament to Oklo’s innovative approach and commitment to delivering efficient, reliable, and scalable nuclear power solutions to meet contemporary energy demands.
