Oklo Inc. Selects Oak Ridge for Advanced Fuel Center

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Department of ECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Oklo Inc. officials announced the company has selected Oak Ridge, TN as the location of a nearly $1.7 billion expansion.

Oklo, an advanced nuclear technology company, will create more than 800 new jobs through the project, which includes the development of an advanced nuclear fuel recycling facility on a 247-acre site at the Oak Ridge Heritage Center. The facility will recycle used nuclear recycling capability and providing a durable, domestic fuel supply for advanced reactors.

Oklo is the fifth company to located in Tennessee utilizing the Nuclear Energy Fund, which assists nuclear power-related businesses choosing to relocate or grow in the Volunteer State and supports the State's universities and research institutions in further developing their nuclear educations programs.

The $50 milling fund was in Gov. Lee's recommended 2023-24 budget and approved by the Tennessee General Assembly. An additional $20 million was allocated and approved in the state’s budget during both the 2024 and 2025 legislative sessions.

The project announced was vetted and recommended by the Education and Workforce subgroup, part of the 22-member Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council.

Source: Tennessee ECD, by Chris O'Brien

The East Tennessee Economic Development Agency market and recruits business for the 15 counties in the greater Knoxville - Oak Ridge region of East Tennessee.

Published September 4, 2025