Oklo領跑美國小核能新時代

美國先進核能新創公司 Oklo 日前宣布，已在愛達荷國家實驗室（INL）完成首座商業核電廠的前期工程作業。該基地是美國歷史最悠久的核能研發場域之一，占地超過890平方英里，歷來為眾多核反應爐試驗與技術轉移計畫的核心。Oklo 預計將於 2027 年底或 2028 年初啟動首座反應爐發電，成為北美第一批正式商轉的小型模組化核電（SMR）廠。

U.S.-based advanced nuclear startup Oklo recently announced the completion of pre-construction activities for its first commercial nuclear power plant at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) - one of America’s most historic nuclear R&D sites, spanning over 890 square miles. The company aims to launch its first reactor by late 2027 or early 2028, making it one of the first small modular reactors (SMRs) to begin commercial operations in North America.

目前全球運轉中的小型核反應爐不到三座，且尚未有一座落地北美。Oklo 的部署計畫不僅標誌著美國新一波核能復興的重要里程碑，也代表民間核能創新正在從研發走向商轉，試圖為AI資料中心、軍事基地、偏遠社區等提供穩定且低碳的分散式能源方案。

Currently, there are fewer than three operational small reactors globally, and none are in North America. Oklo’s deployment not only marks a significant milestone in the resurgence of nuclear energy in the U.S., but also signals a shift from R&D to commercialization - offering low-carbon, distributed energy solutions for AI data centers, military bases, and remote communities.

Flexible 75MW Design to Be Submitted in 2025

預計2025年送審 75MW反應爐採「彈性平台設計」

Oklo 執行長 Jacob DeWitte 表示，首座反應爐的許可申請將於2025年第四季遞交美國核能管制委員會（NRC），目前正處於前置審查準備階段，該階段將針對潛在安全風險、資料缺口等進行盤點與調整，盼提高後續審查效率。

此次送審的新設計採75MW功率設定，相較Oklo原先提出的50MW規模更加貼近潛在商業用戶（例如資料中心與區域電網）的實際需求。DeWitte 強調，Oklo的模組化設計具備可彈性縮放的特性，即使面對較小用電需求，也可在不變更設計基礎下進行輸出調整。

Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte stated that the company plans to submit its reactor design license application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in Q4 of 2025. It is currently undergoing a preparatory review phase to identify potential safety issues and data gaps in order to streamline the full licensing process.

The new design features a 75MW output, an increase from Oklo’s previous 50MW proposal, better aligning with the actual needs of commercial users such as data centers and regional grids. DeWitte emphasized that Oklo’s modular platform is scalable and flexible, capable of adjusting output without altering the core design to accommodate different demand levels.

「我們以單一平台設計為核心，結合模組化部署策略與可擴展功率範圍，讓未來每次許可申請都能更快、更精簡，」DeWitte 表示。

公司預估，若無重大政策變數，首座反應爐審查時程約需24至30個月。

美國重啟核能競爭力 兩黨推手、政策加碼

Oklo 的商轉時程，正值美國加速推動新核能政策轉型之際。拜登政府於2023年提出至2050年將核能總裝置容量從目前的約100GW提升至300GW，作為零碳電網的重要支柱。然而，根據《紐約時報》上週披露，川普陣營近期亦擬擴大核能政策工具，包括要求NRC限期（18個月內）審核新反應爐許可、重新調整輻射安全標準，甚至開放在能源部設施部署反應爐以供 AI 資料中心使用，繞過NRC審查。

兩黨競相提出積極核能政策，反映出小型模組化核能技術已逐步擺脫冷戰時代的包袱，重新被視為強化能源安全、因應氣候危機與AI能源需求擴張的潛力解方。

“Our core approach is a single platform architecture combined with modular deployment and scalable power, which allows each subsequent licensing process to be faster and more efficient,” said DeWitte.

The company estimates that, barring major policy delays, the licensing review will take 24 to 30 months.

Revitalizing U.S. Nuclear Competitiveness: Bipartisan Support and Policy Momentum

Oklo’s commercial timeline coincides with a broader U.S. push to revive its nuclear sector. In 2023, the Biden administration proposed tripling nuclear capacity from around 100GW to 300GW by 2050 as a backbone of a carbon-free electricity grid.

At the same time, according to a recent New York Times report, the Trump campaign is also preparing to boost nuclear policy tools - including mandating the NRC to complete reactor reviews within 18 months, revising radiation safety standards, and potentially deploying reactors at Department of Energy facilities for AI data centers - bypassing traditional regulatory channels.

This bipartisan momentum underscores how SMRs are shedding their Cold War-era stigma and being reimagined as tools for energy security, climate action, and AI-driven electricity demand.

去年通過的《ADVANCE法案》更為 SMR 與微型核能系統（microreactors）開闢了全新許可途徑，Oklo 預期可受惠於該制度改革。

燃料自製與國防應用拓展 Oklo延伸布局未來供應鏈

除電力生產外，Oklo 正開發具備核燃料再製能力的製程設施，未來將嘗試使用目前封存於全美各地的用過核燃料，轉化為新型燃料，為已停滯數十年的再處理技術帶來商業應用契機。Oklo 亦是美國國防部「先進核能發電計畫」八家入選企業之一，未來有望在軍事基地部署機動型反應爐，以提升作戰區與偏遠地區的能源自給能力。

Oklo 的全鏈部署策略，顯示其並非僅是一家單機電廠開發商，而是試圖打造核能商業化完整生態系，包括反應爐設計、燃料循環、電網應用與政策接口。

The ADVANCE Act, passed last year, created new licensing pathways for SMRs and microreactors, from which Oklo is expected to benefit.

Fuel Recycling and National Security Applications Expand Oklo’s Scope

Beyond power generation, Oklo is also developing nuclear fuel recycling infrastructure, aiming to reuse spent nuclear fuel currently stored at sites across the U.S. This effort could commercially revitalize a technology that has been dormant for decades.

Oklo is also one of eight companies selected for the U.S. Department of Defense's Advanced Nuclear Power Program, positioning it to potentially deploy mobile reactors at military bases, enhancing energy independence in conflict zones and remote regions.

This full-spectrum deployment strategy positions Oklo not just as a reactor builder, but as a comprehensive nuclear energy ecosystem developer - covering reactor design, fuel cycles, grid integration, and regulatory engagement.

全球競爭加劇 中美核能技術展開角力

隨著中美科技競爭升溫，核能亦成為重要戰略領域。中國已在海南部署世界首座第四代高溫氣冷式小型反應爐，並宣布2030年前將建成150座新核電機組。相較之下，美國在民用核能部署上仍面臨審查耗時、政策不確定與公眾接受度等挑戰。

Global Competition Heats Up: U.S.-China Rivalry in Nuclear Technology

As U.S.-China technological rivalry intensifies, nuclear energy has emerged as a key strategic arena. China has already deployed the world’s first fourth-generation high-temperature gas-cooled small reactor in Hainan and has announced plans to build 150 new nuclear units by 2030.

In contrast, the U.S. faces persistent challenges in civilian nuclear deployment, including lengthy regulatory timelines, policy uncertainty, and public acceptance.

Oklo、NuScale、X-energy 等新創核能公司正力求突破傳統核能商轉的瓶頸，尋求將 SMR 納入資料中心、重工業、偏遠礦場與國防能源供應鏈中，形塑「核能即服務」的新商模。

Companies like Oklo, NuScale, and X-energy are working to overcome these barriers, aiming to integrate SMRs into data centers, heavy industries, remote mining operations, and defense infrastructure, while promoting a new “nuclear-as-a-service” business model.

隨著氣候目標壓力日益升高，歐美亞各國如何推進小型核能的技術落地與社會接受度，將是全球能源轉型是否成功的關鍵一環。

As climate goals tighten globally, the race to commercialize small-scale nuclear technologies and gain public trust will be critical to the success of the global energy transition.