Oklo's Tiny Nuclear Reactor Reaches Criticality, Accelerating U.S. Nuclear Push

Oklo Inc.'s Groves Isotope Test Reactor in Texas reached criticality, achieving a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction as part of the DOE pilot program advancing small modular reactors; it’s the fifth such reactor to hit this milestone, with Washington promoting broader deployment of large and small reactors while regulatory barriers are trimmed. Oklo’s stock rose in pre-market trading on the news, highlighting continued momentum for U.S. nuclear ambitions even as no SMRs are yet operating commercially in the country.