altman exits oklo board: a strategic shift for openai's energy needs?

2025-04-22 general

San Francisco, Tuesday, 22 April 2025.
sam altman, ceo of openai, has resigned as chairman of oklo, a nuclear startup. this move allows oklo to pursue broader ai partnerships. oklo’s nuclear reactors, ranging from 15 to 100+ megawatts, could power energy-intensive ai applications. the resignation aims to eliminate potential conflicts of interest, as oklo seeks strategic alliances, potentially even with openai. despite this, oklo shares dipped 12% after the announcement. the company plans to launch its first reactor in idaho before 2030. this pivot highlights the growing energy demands of the ai sector.

ai’s growing energy appetite

The surge in artificial intelligence is creating substantial demand for electricity [3]. McKinsey & Co. projects that global data center capacity demand could rise by over 20% annually through 2030 [3]. Goldman Sachs estimates a 165% increase in data center electricity use by 2030 due to AI [3]. This escalating demand underscores the need for innovative energy solutions, positioning companies like Oklo, which is developing compact nuclear reactors, as potentially vital players in the energy sector [3].

oklo’s strategic shift and market reaction

Oklo’s strategy includes supplying clean energy to the AI sector, potentially partnering with companies like OpenAI [1]. Caroline Cochran, Oklo’s co-founder and COO, expressed enthusiasm about continuing to work with Altman [1]. However, the market reacted negatively to Altman’s departure, with Oklo shares falling 12% in extended trading [1]. This immediate stock reaction highlights investor sensitivity to leadership changes and perceived impacts on strategic direction [1].

analyst perspectives on oklo

Despite the recent stock slump, Oklo has garnered attention from analysts. Craig-Hallum issued a “buy” rating for Oklo on April 11, 2025 [2]. BTIG initiated coverage of Oklo with a neutral outlook around the same time [2]. These ratings reflect differing views on Oklo’s potential, considering factors like growth prospects and revenue challenges [2]. Identifying companies that form the backbone of AI, rather than just capitalizing on hype, is crucial for investors, according to Ben Loughery of Lock Wealth Management [3].

broader implications for the energy sector

The increasing energy needs of AI are prompting major players to explore diverse power sources. Microsoft is considering using Three Mile Island as a clean power source for future data centers [3]. Adani Group plans a $10 billion investment to achieve 10 GW of data center capacity in India [7]. OpenAI and SoftBank are evaluating the U.K. for their $500 billion Stargate AI project [7]. These initiatives signal a significant shift towards securing reliable and sustainable energy for AI infrastructure [7].

smrs and the future of nuclear energy

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) are gaining traction as a viable energy solution, particularly in Europe and the United States [5]. NuScale Power, despite a cancelled Utah project, has agreements with Canada, Romania, and Ukraine [5]. Rolls-Royce aims to install 10 SMR units by 2035, while EDF plans to have its NUWARD prototype operational before 2030 [5]. These developments suggest a growing recognition of nuclear energy’s role in a hybrid energy future, alongside renewables [5].

Bronnen

AI partnerships nuclear energy