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FERC rejected Oklo's complaint seeking to reinstate a 750-MW mixed-technology power project in Virginia to PJM's interconnection study cycle, delaying it by at least 14 months.

Delays to Oklo's nuclear-powered data-center project underscore interconnection-queue gridlock affecting AI infrastructure power-supply timelines and SMR deployment.
Trade pressSlicast · September 25, 2026 at 13:46 UTC · Global · Source: Utility Dive
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The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on September 24, 2026, rejected Oklo's complaint seeking to reverse PJM Interconnection's decision to remove a 750-MW mixed-technology power project in Virginia from its current interconnection study cycle.

FERC found that Oklo failed to demonstrate that PJM violated any of its tariff requirements in withdrawing the project in early August. Additionally, Oklo did not resolve flaws in its application that PJM staff had identified.

However, FERC acknowledged the broader challenge, stating: "Although we find that Oklo failed to demonstrate PJM violated its tariff, we note that, in order to meet growing demand in the PJM region, it is critical that PJM collaborate with project developers before, during, and after the interconnection application process to ensure guidance and expectations are clearly understood and properly implemented."

Oklo has two paths forward. It can address the errors in its interconnection application and resubmit the project to PJM's next study cycle. Alternatively, if the company wishes to move forward more quickly, it can submit the project for consideration under PJM's Expedited Interconnection Track, which remains open through December 31, 2027.

The project would interconnect to the grid at two Dominion Energy substations located between Washington, D.C., and Richmond, Virginia. According to Oklo's complaint, exclusion from the current interconnection cycle will delay the project by at least 18 months and substantially increase costs. The facility comprises 150 MW of advanced nuclear generation, 300 MW of fuel cells, and 300 MW of gas-fired generation.

Oklo, headquartered in Santa Clara, California, is commercializing metal-fueled fast reactor technology through its Aurora powerhouses, which are designed to generate 15 MW to 75 MW per unit.

The decision is one of several pending at FERC. Five other complaints have been filed by project developers alleging that PJM improperly removed their projects from the current interconnection study cycle: Advantage Capital Renewables, Agilitas Energy, Current Hydro, Lanyard Power Holdings, and RWE Americas.

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FERC rejected Oklo's complaint seeking to… · Slicast