CNBC Television
Oklo CEO Jacob DeWitte on U.S. defense contract, nuclear power demand, and supply chain
11/5/2025, 8:36:59 PM
Economic Summary
- A defense contract to power an Air Force installation in Alaska could create multi-decade recurring revenue (20–30 years) by supplying resilient power, heat, and steam for military bases.
- Selection by the Defense Innovation Unit and policy momentum (including recent executive orders) may open additional defense bases and accelerate deployment of advanced nuclear on government land, expanding contract opportunities.
- Regulatory accelerations and efforts to expand commercial fuel availability are positioned to move project schedules earlier, with the speaker targeting a first plant online in Idaho in late 2027–early 2028, which could materially change investor timelines for revenue recognition.
Bullish
- Multi-decade recurring revenue from defense base power contracts.
- Government policy and executive orders accelerating nuclear timelines and fuel availability.
- Existing site permits and fuel on hand enable earlier deployment (target 2027–2028).
- Recent capital raise provides funds to accelerate construction and permitting.
Bearish
- Execution risk: building, permitting, and commissioning small modular reactors can face multi-year delays.
- Fuel supply and regulatory bottlenecks could slow scaling despite recent policy moves.
- Competition and variable timelines across firms may limit near-term market capture.
People mentioned
Jake