The White House named Oklahoma as one of five finalist states to compete for a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus, a first of its kind project that would bring the full cycle nuclear energy ecosystem together in one location if ultimately selected.
According to U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, the four other finalists are Utah, Tennessee, Idaho and Louisiana. Following record levels of interest in the application process, Wright signed Memorandums of Understanding with Oklahoma and the four other five states to continue exploring opportunities to host Innovation Campuses and support President Trump’s bold vision for American energy dominance and national energy security.
“I’m pleased to announce that after reviewing 28 applications from 26 states, the Energy Department has selected five initial contenders to further explore building Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses,” Secretary Wright said. “These campuses will be massive generators of economic growth, create thousands of high-paying jobs, and be crucial to unleashing America’s nuclear renaissance. The innovative concept is a direct result of President Trump’s leadership and ambitious directives to restore the domestic nuclear fuel cycle and get America’s nuclear industry growing again.”
“Oklahoma has been America’s energy state for more than a hundred years, and we’re not slowing down now,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “We built this state by leading, first in oil, then natural gas, then renewables, and now we have the chance to lead again. This is about creating more high paying jobs, driving innovation, and making Oklahoma a Top Ten state.”
The Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus is designed to bring the nuclear industry together from start to finish, including fuel fabrication, electricity generation, medical isotope production for cancer and other treatments, fuel recycling, and permanent material management. This would be the first ever full nuclear lifecycle campus in the United States.
Oklahoma has made the final cut for one of as many as three campuses the Department of Energy will likely choose by the end of 2026. State leaders emphasized that this is not a final site selection, but it is a major step forward as Oklahoma enters the next phase of host agreement negotiations.
“This is a major opportunity for Oklahoma. If awarded, this project would bring billions of dollars in investment in Oklahoma, add research opportunities for our Oklahoma universities, and bring additional electricity generation through the deployment of advanced small modular reactors,” said Oklahoma Secretary of Energy and Environment Jeff Starling. “Oklahoma has partnered with leading U.S. companies in the advanced nuclear space, and we look forward to competing for and winning this generational opportunity.”
According to federal energy experts and industry leaders, nuclear technology is not new. It is proven, safe, and clean, and the top companies in the industry are ready to partner with Oklahoma to build this campus.
“This is not the finish line. It is the next round,” Stitt said. “We are excited, we are prepared, and we are going to keep working with communities, industry leaders, and the federal government to put Oklahoma in the strongest position possible.”
U.S. Energy Secretary Wright announced the effort in January, asking states to express interest in hosting a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses, a new effort to modernize the nation’s full nuclear fuel cycle and strengthen America’s leadership in advanced nuclear energy.
The action marked the first step towards potentially establishing voluntary Federal-State partnerships designed to advance regional economic growth, enhance national energy security, and build a coherent, end-to-end nuclear energy strategy for the country.
“Unleashing the next American nuclear renaissance will drive innovation, fuel economic growth, and create good-paying American jobs while delivering the affordable, reliable and secure energy America needs to power its future,” said Wright. “Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses give us the opportunity to work directly with states on regional priorities that support President Trump’s vision to revitalize America’s nuclear base.”
The proposed campuses could support activities across the full nuclear fuel lifecycle, including fuel fabrication, enrichment, reprocessing used nuclear fuel, and disposition of waste. Depending on state priorities and regional capabilities, the sites could also host advanced reactor deployment, power generation, advanced manufacturing, and co located data centers.
The Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, and Rep. Nick Archer, R-Elk City, released the following statements after the U.S. Department of Energy announced that Oklahoma is one of five Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus finalists.
Rep. Nick Archer, who authored House Resolution 1041, said the designation opens the door for transformational economic growth and innovation in Oklahoma:
“This designation would be a major win for Oklahoma and a testament to the partnerships we’ve built to showcase our state’s potential. By establishing a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus here, we create new opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement and American energy independence. I’m proud of the work that brought us to this moment, and I’m excited to help ensure Oklahoma remains at the forefront of advanced nuclear development.”
Speaker Kyle Hilbert said the designation reflects Oklahoma’s readiness to play a leading role in advancing America’s energy future:
“Oklahoma has long been a national leader in energy production, and this designation would reinforce our state’s role in shaping America’s energy future. With abundant land, a skilled workforce and existing energy infrastructure, Oklahoma is uniquely positioned to support the next generation of nuclear technology. This investment will strengthen our economy, create high-quality jobs and enhance our nation’s energy security.”
“I also want to thank Rep. Nick Archer for his tireless work to elevate Oklahoma’s strengths on the national stage and help make this designation possible. Our message to federal leaders and private industry is clear: Oklahoma is ready to lead the next generation of nuclear innovation.”
