Oklo Files FERC Complaint Over PJM

Oklo has filed an emergency complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission against the PJM Interconnection. The advanced nuclear technology company alleges PJM improperly withdrew its 750-megawatt generation project from the interconnection study cycle on August 3.

According to the complaint, this withdrawal will delay the project by at least 14 months. Oklo states the delay will significantly increase development costs for what it calls a project of critical national importance.

The complaint, filed on Friday, did not name the specific project. However, Oklo has plans for a 1.2-gigawatt power campus in Pike County, Ohio, within PJM's territory. This campus, backed by Meta under a January deal, is intended to power Meta data centers.

Alleged flaws in the review process

Oklo argues PJM's interconnection rules are ill-suited for its innovative design. The project combines 150 MW of advanced nuclear generation, 300 MW of fuel cells, and 300 MW of gas-fired generation.

The company states it submitted all required information to enter PJM's queue on April 27. PJM issued a deficiency notice on May 15, which Oklo says it answered. Oklo claims PJM then failed to respond to emails suggesting a scoping meeting or confirming resolution of the noted issues.

Dispute over procedural violations

A key contention is PJM's use of its NextGen platform. On June 24, PJM staff noted problems with the request on the project's NextGen page. Oklo asserts PJM never sent a formal deficiency notice about these issues, which it claims violates the grid operator's own tariff rules.

PJM's final withdrawal notice cited, in part, Oklo's failure to show the project could ride through a sudden voltage drop. Oklo contends it can fix all identified deficiencies and that the exclusion is unjustified.

Oklo stated in its complaint that PJM's decision to withdraw the project is the capstone to an unjust, unreasonable, and unduly discriminatory review process. It argues the NextGen comments violated requirements to flag deficiencies promptly and allow time to cure them.

Oklo's requests to FERC

In its filing, the Santa Clara, California-based company asks FERC for specific relief. It wants the commission to direct PJM to immediately reinstate the project in the current study cycle with its original queue position.

Oklo also requests any necessary waivers to prevent significant delays to the study cycle. It asks FERC to order PJM to respond to this fast-track complaint by September 4.

Context of PJM's reformed queue

The dispute arises as PJM implements a reformed interconnection process. Earlier this year, PJM launched this new process after clearing a backlog. On August 3, the same day it notified Oklo of the withdrawal, PJM announced 715 generation projects had qualified for the first study cycle under the new system. You can see the current queue status on our fixtures page.

These projects represent over 200 gigawatts of capacity. PJM expects interconnection reviews to take one to two years, depending on a project's grid impact. For a broader view of the regional energy landscape, including capacity from various fuel types, you can check our standings.

The qualified projects in this cycle break down by fuel type as follows:

Oklo aims to commercialize small nuclear powerhouses ranging from 15 to 75 megawatts. Its complaint now rests with federal regulators.