Oklo Inc. recently announced plans to build the first privately funded commercial nuclear fuel recycling facility at Oak Ridge’s East Tennessee Technology Park. September 23, 2025
Office of Environmental Management
September 23, 2025
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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announces Oklo Inc.’s $1.68 billion investment will bring a projected 800 jobs to the region, during an event at the William J. Wilcox Jr. K-25 Interpretive Center.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Oklo Inc. recently announced plans to build the first privately funded commercial nuclear fuel recycling facility at Oak Ridge’s East Tennessee Technology Park, the first phase of a $1.68 billion advanced fuel center expected to create more than 800 jobs and provide fuel for the nuclear energy company’s Aurora powerhouses and other advanced reactor designs.
Oklo officials shared the news in Oak Ridge alongside congressional leaders and local, state and federal officials. They highlighted the latest major economic development opportunity for the region resulting from the Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) and contractor UCOR’s work to transform a shuttered government-owned uranium enrichment complex into a privately owned industrial park that has become a hub for nuclear energy development.
Officials celebrate Oklo Inc.’s planned advanced nuclear fuel center in Oak Ridge. From left: State Sen. Ken Yager, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, Gov. Bill Lee, Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte, U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty, U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, Roane County Executive Wade Creswell, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Commissioner Bradley Crowell, Tennessee Valley Authority President Don Moul, State Rep. Rick Scarbrough, and Tennessee Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter.
The Tennessee facility is expected to begin producing metal fuel for Aurora powerhouses by the early 2030s, following regulatory review and approvals.
“Fuel is the most important factor in bringing advanced nuclear energy to market,” said Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte. “Tennessee is showing the nation that recycling can be done to support new nuclear development.”
A rendering of Oklo Inc.’s advanced fuel center planned for the East Tennessee Technology Park. The company plans to build on approximately 250 acres of land at the site.
According to Oklo, the 94,000 metric tons of used nuclear fuel stored at power plant sites around the country contain considerable reserves of recyclable fuel. Oklo is focused on unlocking that material, equivalent to about 1.3 trillion barrels of oil.
“The impact of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management’s cleanup mission is on full display with another company announcing major investments and creating new jobs using acreage we cleaned and transferred to the community,” said OREM Manager Erik Olds. “It’s very rewarding to see our vision for the site being realized.”
Oak Ridge Office of Environmental Management (OREM) and UCOR teams worked closely with state economic development officials and the Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corp. to provide information and materials on available properties at the East Tennessee Technology Park. Pictured from left are Ashley Saunders, UCOR; Erin Sutton, OREM; Kevin Ironside, UCOR; Meryl Harris and Derrick Collins, Tennessee Valley Authority; Braden Stover, Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development; and Mike Magill, Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corp.
Oklo joins more than 25 businesses that are located on land OREM transferred to the community or have announced plans to build there. Together, they are making a projected capital investment of $8 billion and expect to generate 2,500 private sector jobs.
The company plans to build on approximately 250 acres of land at East Tennessee Technology Park. To date, OREM has transferred 1,832 acres for economic reuse. Another 667-acre parcel is slated for transfer by the end of the year.
“Oklo’s recognition of our strong business climate, reliable infrastructure and skilled workforce prove that Tennessee is ready to continue growing into the top state for nuclear energy,” said Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee. “We’re proud to partner with Oklo to continue pushing our state toward the future, increasing America’s energy independence and creating greater opportunity for all Tennesseans.”
-Contributor: Chris Caldwell
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