The Department of Energy in the United States has given startup authorization for Oklo’s Groves Isotope Test Reactor. The step allows Oklo to load nuclear fuel, conduct startup testing, and proceed toward first criticality. Groves is a low-power test reactor designed to demonstrate reactor design, build, and operations, and to establish operating experience needed to support future isotope production facilities. Startup authorization follows a rigorous readiness review Oklo revealed that the startup authorization follows a rigorous readiness review, through which DOE confirmed that Oklo has achieved the engineering, organizational, and operational readiness needed to safely receive fuel and begin reactor operations. “Startup of a private facility means honing and implementing operating procedures, training programs, security programs, environment, health and safety programs, quality assurance programs and procedures, and much more.