Piketon, Ohio (Feb. 2, 2024) – Advanced nuclear company Oklo Inc. has signed an agreement with the Southern Ohio Diversification Initiative (SODI) securing an option to purchase land for two planned nuclear powerhouses in the region.
This agreement follows Oklo’s announcement in May 2023 regarding the deployment of two powerhouses and marks a significant step forward in siting, development, and implementation.
The land, located at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant (PORTS) site near Piketon, will be acquired from SODI, a non-profit organization designated by the Department of Energy (DOE) for community reuse of the facility.
Under the agreement, Oklo has paid an upfront fee for the option and right of first refusal to purchase the land. This fee will be credited towards any future purchase made by the company.
“We see incredible potential in the Piketon region, both in its talent and infrastructure, and we deeply value partnering with SODI and collaborating with the local community,” said Jacob DeWitte, Oklo’s co-founder and CEO. “We are also grateful to the DOE for their support in making these public-private partnerships possible.”
SODI Executive Director Steven Shepherd commented, “Oklo’s land purchase agreement further underscores the transformative potential of redeveloping this site for our energy infrastructure and community.”
This collaboration highlights the potential of public-private partnerships in advancing next-generation energy solutions. It represents a major step forward for Oklo’s commitment to deploying clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear energy.
About Oklo Inc.:
Oklo is developing advanced fission power plants to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy. The company has received a site use permit from the DOE, secured fuel material, submitted a licensing application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and is working on advanced fuel recycling technologies with the DOE and national labs.
About SODI:
SODI is a non-profit organization tasked with improving the quality of life in southern Ohio by fostering economic diversification and developing underutilized land at the PORTS site.
