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Feds deny Oklo's application to build an advanced nuclear reactor in Idaho [1]

['Catherine Clifford', 'In Catclifford']

Date: 2022-01-07

An artist rendering of Oklo's Aurora powerhouse Image credit: Gensler

Federal regulators have denied the application from Silicon Valley nuclear power start-up Oklo to build and operate its advanced nuclear reactor, dubbed Aurora, in Idaho. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission filed the decision on Thursday and cited lack of sufficient information about potential accidents and safety measures. Oklo may re-apply. "Oklo's application continues to contain significant information gaps in its description of Aurora's potential accidents as well as its classification of safety systems and components," said the NRC's Andrea Veil, in a written statement. "These gaps prevent further review activities. We are prepared to re-engage with Oklo if they submit a revised application that provides the information we need for a thorough and timely review," Veil said. Oklo's plan is to build miniature nuclear reactors that are much smaller and cheaper than conventional nuclear reactors. Conventional reactors require massive construction projects which are often beleaguered by construction timeline and budget overruns, like the Vogtle plant in Georgia. Oklo's mini reactors are supposed to be powered by the waste of conventional nuclear reactors and housed in aesthetically pleasing A-frame structures. The company has raised more than $25 million from venture investors to pursue this plan, according to Pitchbook.

A disappointment to nuclear advocates

The Oklo decision from regulators was a disappointment to nuclear industry stakeholders. The nuclear industry has been in a pivotal moment of reinvention, working to move past its reputation tarnished by catastrophic accidents, and reinvent itself as a solution to decarbonization efforts which have become a priority in efforts to combat climate change. "Advanced nuclear technologies, including the Aurora, are being built to help overcome our greatest climate challenges and essential to reaching the nation's climate goals," said Doug True, the Chief Nuclear Officer at the industry's trade group, the Nuclear Energy Institute. The NRC needs to update its licensing procedures, according to True. "The next generation of nuclear technologies are being designed with inherent safety features and will require the NRC to modernize their approach in licensing the carbon-free nuclear reactors of the future," he said. Alex Gilbert, a project manager for nuclear power think tank the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, also told CNBC the decision was a disappointment and a sign of out dated regulatory processes. "Advanced reactors are expected to be safer than any reactors to date and should be able to meet NRC's standards," Gilbert said. A regulatory overhaul process is in its very early stages, Gilbert said. "This work is ongoing and requires work from industry, NRC, and civil society to ensure efficient licensing," Gilbert told CNBC.

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[1] Url: https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/07/federal-regulators-deny-oklos-application-to-build-a-reactor-in-idaho.html

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