US-based nuclear power and nuclear fuel recycling company Oklo has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with RPower, a provider of onsite prime and backup power solutions, to deploy a phased power model for data centres.
The partnership leverages Oklo’s advanced nuclear expertise and RPower’s deep experience with prime and backup power systems.
It aims to provide a comprehensive, turnkey solution and speed to market for data centres and other large-scale energy users.
Oklo co-founder and CEO Jacob DeWitte said: “This collaboration aims to ensure that data centres can access reliable energy today while building a clear and practical pathway to clean energy in the future.
“With a growing customer pipeline and a current order book of 14GW of energy, we are thrilled to work with RPower to address both immediate and long-term energy challenges.”
The phased power model combines immediate energy deployment using RPower’s natural gas generators to switch to clean, reliable energy from Oklo’s Aurora powerhouses.
Once implemented, the model would work in three stages to eliminate dependence on diesel generators and support scalable, sustainable operations.
Initially, the model would deploy RPower’s natural gas generators within around 24 months, based on site conditions, to address immediate power needs for data centres.
In the second stage, Aurora powerhouses, Oklo’s advanced nuclear power solutions, will be added to the sites as they become commercially available, providing emissions-free energy.
As the final stage, the Aurora powerhouses will supply most of the required energy, shifting RPower’s natural gas generators to backup and resilience roles.
The transition enables RPower to serve as a Good Grid Citizen by contributing surplus power to the local grid during times of need.
Furthermore, Oklo and RPower will work together to deploy the phased power strategy on behalf of their respective existing customers and new customers.
RPower COO Jamie Smith said: “Our relationship with Oklo represents a powerful way to bridge today’s energy demands with tomorrow’s clean energy solutions.
“We are excited to bring this phased model to market, providing valuable and timely energy solutions to our customers while advancing their sustainability goals.”
