In a significant leadership transition, Sam Altman, the co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, will step down as chairman of Oklo Inc., an advanced nuclear technology company, effective April 22, 2025. This move is expected to pave the way for future collaborations between Oklo and OpenAI, as the nuclear startup seeks to explore strategic partnerships to enhance its clean energy initiatives.
Oklo’s CEO and co-founder, Jake DeWitte, will take over as chairman of the board, as confirmed in a statement released by the company on Tuesday. DeWitte expressed gratitude for Altman’s contributions, stating, "Sam has been instrumental in shaping Oklo’s trajectory since the inception of Oklo." He emphasized the company's commitment to providing scalable, clean energy solutions to the artificial intelligence sector and beyond.
Caroline Cochran, Oklo’s co-founder and COO, echoed DeWitte’s sentiments, noting, "We deeply appreciate Sam’s leadership and dedication to our mission. We are excited to continue working to bring scalable, clean energy to the AI sector and beyond, and to continue to explore strategic partnerships with leading AI companies, including potentially with OpenAI.”
Altman’s decision to step down is seen as a strategic move that will allow Oklo to pursue partnerships more freely. His dual role as the chairman of Oklo and CEO of OpenAI had made potential collaborations between the two companies complex. Altman remarked, "As Oklo explores strategic partnerships to deploy clean energy at scale, particularly to enable the deployment of AI, I believe now is the right time for me to step down." This shift comes at a time when the demand for clean energy solutions is growing, particularly in light of the increasing energy needs of data centers and AI technologies.
The timing of Altman’s departure coincides with a period of significant growth for Oklo. The company, which aims to develop fast fission power plants, has made notable strides in the nuclear energy sector. It was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission plant and has submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Oklo’s reactors, known as Aurora, are designed with smaller and simpler configurations, ranging from 75 megawatts to potentially over 100 megawatts. The company plans to launch its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory in Idaho Falls before the end of the decade. This initiative is part of Oklo’s broader goal to establish a domestic supply chain for critical radioisotopes and advance nuclear fuel recycling to convert nuclear waste into clean energy.
Despite the promising outlook, Oklo has faced challenges in securing contracts with major tech companies that are increasingly interested in baseload, emissions-free power. In December 2024, Oklo signed an agreement to provide up to 12 gigawatts of power for data center company Switch, but it has yet to finalize deals with other hyperscalers.
Following the announcement of Altman’s resignation, Oklo shares experienced a 12% decline in extended trading, reflecting investor concerns about the transition in leadership and its potential impact on the company’s strategic direction.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between AI and clean energy is becoming increasingly vital. Altman’s insights into the intersection of these industries highlight the importance of addressing energy availability and cost, which have historically constrained technological progress. He stated, "Historically, energy availability and cost, along with computational limitations, have been fundamental constraints on technological progress. A future where these are no longer limiting factors will be radically different, and I look forward to following Oklo’s leadership in driving this transformation.”
With Altman stepping down, DeWitte and Cochran will lead Oklo into a new chapter, focusing on innovative solutions to meet the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence and other critical sectors. The company’s mission to provide clean, reliable, and affordable energy is more crucial than ever as the world grapples with climate change and seeks sustainable energy alternatives.
As Oklo prepares to embark on this new journey, stakeholders and investors will be watching closely to see how the company navigates the complexities of the energy market and leverages its technological advancements to forge meaningful partnerships within the AI sector.
In summary, Sam Altman's departure as chairman of Oklo marks a pivotal moment for both the company and the broader energy landscape. By stepping back, Altman is facilitating a future where Oklo can explore new partnerships and innovations without the complexities of his dual roles. The transition is poised to open doors for Oklo as it strives to fulfill its mission of delivering clean energy solutions to a rapidly evolving technological world.
