Oklo’s Isotope Test Reactor achieves criticality

August 6, 2026, 3:36PMNuclear News
Oklo’s Groves Isotope Test Reactor facility. (Photo: Oklo)

Oklo’s Groves Isotope Test Reactor became the fifth Department of Energy–authorized reactor to achieve criticality under the agency’s authorization process, it was announced earlier today.

Criticality was reached at 9:19 p.m. (EDT) on Wednesday at the company’s Groves facility in Lockhart, Texas, according to the DOE.