Sam Altman’s next-gen nuclear plant picks builder, eyes 2027 debut

Oklo, a nuclear energy company backed by Sam Altman, has selected Kiewit Nuclear Solutions as the lead constructor for its first commercial Aurora nuclear power plant at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The 75-megawatt advanced microreactor project, named Aurora-INL, aims to begin pre-construction in 2025 with commercial operations targeted for late 2027 to early 2028. Oklo secured access to its preferred site at Idaho Falls earlier in 2025 and has completed key site characterization work, including borehole drilling and preparations for a potential commercial radioisotope production facility at INL. Kiewit was chosen through a competitive process for its technical capabilities and experience in large-scale industrial construction, which complements the largely non-nuclear components of the Aurora plant. Oklo’s CEO Jacob DeWitte emphasized that Kiewit’s expertise is critical for efficient project delivery, cost reduction, and maintaining safety and quality standards. The Aurora reactor features a modular design,