A planned advanced nuclear energy campus in Ohio has taken a major step toward securing reactor fuel, one of the industry’s most critical resources. Oklo and Centrus have signed a letter of intent that could provide enough domestically produced high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to support up to five Aurora reactors for several years. The fuel would come from Centrus’ enrichment facility in Pike County, Ohio, with deliveries expected to begin in 2029.
The agreement addresses a growing challenge for the advanced nuclear sector. While several next-generation reactor designs continue to move toward commercialization, access to U.S.-produced HALEU remains limited. Developers and fuel suppliers have increasingly sought long-term agreements to reduce uncertainty around future reactor deployments.
Under the proposed arrangement, Centrus would supply fuel for Oklo’s planned 1.2-gigawatt clean energy campus in southern Ohio. The agreement could also include advance payments that support future fuel production and strengthen supply certainty for the project.
The deal links fuel production with a specific reactor deployment strategy. Industry leaders have repeatedly identified fuel availability as one of the biggest hurdles facing advanced nuclear development in the United States.
Earlier this year, Oklo announced a power agreement with Meta that included prepayment provisions designed to support project development. The latest fuel arrangement follows a similar approach by connecting future customer demand with long-term fuel supply planning.
Jacob DeWitte, Oklo’s co-founder and chief executive, said the agreement brings together several key elements needed for advanced nuclear deployment, including fuel, power generation and customer demand. He added that southern Ohio’s nuclear expertise and skilled workforce position the region to support future reactor construction.
The agreement also highlights the growing role of southern Ohio in the domestic nuclear supply chain. Centrus continues to expand enrichment operations in Pike County as demand for advanced reactor fuel grows. The company plans to combine private investment with previously announced federal support aimed at increasing domestic HALEU production capacity.
Industry officials view enrichment as a strategic capability because many advanced reactor designs require HALEU fuel. Expanding U.S. production could reduce dependence on foreign sources while supporting a new generation of nuclear power plants.
Amir Vexler, president and chief executive of Centrus, described the agreement as an important step toward establishing a reliable fuel supply for next-generation reactors. He said connecting domestic fuel production with advanced reactor deployment could help create a stronger foundation for future nuclear growth in the United States.
Alongside the fuel agreement, Oklo has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kiewit Nuclear Solutions to support engineering, procurement, and construction planning for its initial Aurora reactor deployments.
Oklo’s Aurora reactors use liquid-metal cooling and require relatively little water compared with conventional nuclear plants. The reactors are designed to provide reliable carbon-free electricity under a build-own-operate model.
If the project moves forward as planned, it could demonstrate how fuel suppliers, reactor developers and infrastructure partners can work together to accelerate advanced nuclear deployment in the United States.
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Aamir is a seasoned tech journalist with experience at Exhibit Magazine, Republic World, and PR Newswire. With a deep love for all things tech and science, he has spent years decoding the latest innovations and exploring how they shape industries, lifestyles, and the future of humanity.
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