Episode Details

Two nuclear startups, Oklo and X-Energy, are racing to revolutionize energy with small modular reactors—both just went public and backed by big names like Sam Altman and Amazon. Oklo’s sodium-cooled fast reactor is building its first unit at Idaho National Lab, aiming for 2027; X-Energy’s helium-cooled design plans four reactors in Texas on a similar timeline. Neither tech has been built or approved yet, but both have early government support and face the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s green light. Beyond power, they’re betting big on fuel: X-Energy will produce safer TRISO fuel, while Oklo is exploring spent fuel recycling, plutonium use, and medical isotopes. Oklo seems slightly ahead, making it the more promising bet for now—but investors must stay patient as regulatory hurdles loom large in this high-stakes race to reshape nuclear energy.

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