Oklo Inc. has appointed Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Co., a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation, as the lead constructor for its inaugural commercial Aurora Powerhouse, an advanced fast-spectrum reactor planned for deployment at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).
The appointment follows a Master Services Agreement and is effective for the project’s execution phase, with pre-construction expected in 2025 and commercial operations anticipated between late 2027 and early 2028.
Aurora Powerhouse – Project Overview
The Aurora Powerhouse is a next-generation micro-reactor facility being developed by Oklo in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This landmark project represents one of the first commercial deployments of advanced fission technology in the United States and is designed to demonstrate the safety, reliability, and economic advantages of small-scale, advanced nuclear power.
Located at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) site in eastern Idaho, the Aurora Powerhouse will serve as a pilot-scale facility showcasing Oklo’s liquid metal-cooled fast reactor technology. The reactor design uses high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) fuel, a next-generation fuel type that supports longer core lifetimes and improved fuel utilization.
With a planned output of 1.5 megawatts-electric (MWe), the Aurora Powerhouse is compact yet powerful enough to supply reliable, carbon-free electricity for decades without refueling—offering a highly resilient energy solution for remote or off-grid applications, data centers, industrial customers, and national security infrastructure. (Further details on the video below – courtesy of Stand Together).
Beyond its power output, the Aurora design reflects a major innovation in the nuclear sector. The reactor is being built with passive safety features, simplified systems, and a modular approach that allows for streamlined construction and potentially reduced costs. The project also embraces a holistic life-cycle view of nuclear power—Oklo plans to recycle used fuel in future facilities, contributing to a more sustainable and efficient nuclear fuel cycle.
Kiewit’s Role and Contract Scope
Under the Master Services Agreement, Kiewit Nuclear Solutions Co. (KNS) will lead several key components of the Aurora Powerhouse delivery, including:
Pre-construction planning, based on detailed site and geological assessments completed at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
Design management, leveraging Kiewit’s expertise in large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects to support integration, constructability, and schedule alignment
Procurement support for both nuclear and non-nuclear systems, with a focus on quality, supply chain reliability, and timely delivery
Construction management and supervision throughout the facility build-out
Kiewit was selected by Oklo following a competitive process that evaluated technical capabilities and execution strength. With much of the project consisting of non-nuclear infrastructure, Oklo highlighted Kiewit’s strong track record in complex civil and industrial projects to help mitigate risk, shorten timelines, and uphold high safety and quality standards.
The agreement appears to include a mix of early contractor involvement (ECI) and EPC contracting features. Under this arrangement, Kiewit will support the design and planning phases through pre-construction services, offering constructability input and delivery optimisation. Kiewit will then assume responsibility for the construction phase. This integrated approach is intended to streamline execution and ensure that engineering decisions are closely aligned with practical delivery requirements
Kiewit brings extensive nuclear construction experience and is currently working with Aecon on a major Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project in Canada, further reinforcing its credentials in the advanced nuclear sector.
Leadership comments on the project
Jacob DeWitte, Co‑Founder and CEO of Oklo, noted:
“We’ve completed key pre-construction milestones, including site characterization work in Idaho, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and Idaho National Laboratory. Kiewit brings the execution strength and project delivery experience that are essential as we move into this next phase. This is a critical step in helping us build efficiently and deliver clean energy on a meaningful timeline. ”
Mike Rinehart, President of KNS, added:
“We’re excited to support Oklo in delivering one of the nation’s first commercial advanced nuclear projects. As a leading design engineering, procurement, and construction partner with decades of experience in complex energy infrastructure, Kiewit is well positioned to help bring Oklo’s innovative vision to life. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing clean energy solutions through disciplined execution, safety, and delivery certainty”
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