The U.S. Air Force chose Oklo Inc., a nuclear energy startup based in California, as the preferred contractor to build a microreactor at its Eielson Base in Alaska. This step shows increasing military confidence in nuclear microreactor technology. It can provide off-grid power and heat in tough environments.

Oklo Nuclear: Powering the Future with Microreactors

Founded in 2013 by MIT engineers Jacob DeWitte and Caroline Cochran, Oklo develops small, advanced nuclear reactors. These reactors aim to provide clean and reliable energy.

These “Aurora” microreactors are smaller than regular nuclear power plants. They produce around 15 to 50 megawatts of electricity. That’s enough to power a small town, a military base, or a large industrial facility.

What makes the Aurora design unique is its ability to use recycled nuclear waste as fuel and run for up to 10 years without refueling. It also uses a fast-neutron spectrum and liquid metal cooling, allowing for a safer, more efficient design.

If the reactor overheats, the system slows the reaction. This removes the need for complex backup systems. Oklo aims to sell energy through long-term contracts, where it owns, operates, and maintains the reactor for the customer. This business model makes Oklo more like an energy service provider than a traditional reactor builder.

Steps Forward and Setbacks

In early 2025, Oklo finished drilling and site evaluations, which are necessary before construction starts. They must follow these steps before submitting a new licensing application to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Oklo submitted a combined license application to the NRC in 2020. However, it was rejected in 2022 because it lacked important technical information.

Despite the setback, the company has been working closely with regulators and plans to reapply later in 2025. If the NRC approves the application, Oklo could begin construction and possibly start generating power by 2027.

The company’s recent progress has also sparked interest from investors. After announcing the site preparation in Idaho, Oklo’s stock rose significantly. In 2025, its share price increased by more than 50% year-to-date and nearly 190% over the past 12 months. 

The market seems to be responding to the company’s momentum and its potential role in the next wave of clean energy innovation.

Alaskan Pilot with the Air Force: A Cold Test for Hot Tech

The recent deal with the US Department of Defense is a major event for Oklo. The DoD selected the company for a long-term power purchase agreement.

The agreement, still in the planning stage, involves building an Aurora microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The base is about 26 miles southeast of Fairbanks. It is remote and hard to power using traditional methods.

Under the plan, Oklo will design, build, own, and operate the microreactor on-site. The reactor is expected to provide up to 75 megawatts of electric and thermal energy to the base. This energy setup lets the base run on its own. It also cuts down on the need for costly fuel deliveries, which can be tough during harsh Alaskan winters.

While the Notice of Intent from the U.S. Air Force shows a strong commitment to working with Oklo, the project is not yet finalized. It still needs NRC licensing approval, final contract negotiations, and further planning.

This is not the first time Eielson AFB has been involved in a microreactor plan. In 2023, a similar deal was canceled. This happened because of delays in regulatory permits and unclear timelines. This time, Oklo hopes its improved design and updated application will clear those hurdles.

If everything goes according to plan, Oklo could begin delivering power to Eielson as early as 2028. The project supports the Department of Defense’s goal. It aims to enhance energy security at military sites.

Also, it seeks to lower carbon emissions by using small, local clean energy sources. The US military is pursuing similar goal of powering its bases with nuclear. 

• RELATED: Why the U.S. Military Moves Toward Nuclear to Power Its Bases in 2030s

Small Reactors, Big Future: Beyond the Arctic Circle

Oklo’s work is part of a larger movement toward small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors that aim to provide carbon-free power in places where wind and solar are not reliable. These advanced nuclear technologies are gaining attention not only from the military but also from tech companies and industrial users.

In 2025, big data center operators and cloud providers like Amazon, Google, and Switch showed interest in teaming up with nuclear companies. They want to secure long-term power for their operations.

• RELEVANT: UK Bets on Rolls-Royce For Its First Small Modular Nuclear Reactors With £2.5B Pledge

Oklo is looking beyond Alaska. It plans to develop other projects in Idaho and Ohio, targeting a range of customers from local governments to private companies. The company’s approach—combining long-term contracts with on-site operation—could offer a flexible solution to growing global energy needs.

Global nuclear power is expected to grow rapidly as countries seek clean, reliable energy. The IEA projects capacity to rise from 416 GW in 2023 to 647 GW by 2050 under current policies, and over 1,000 GW with stronger climate action. SMRs will play a major role, with capacity potentially reaching 190 GW by 2050.

China leads SMR deployment, followed by North America and Europe. Total global investment in nuclear could hit $2.9 trillion by 2050, with SMRs making up $670 billion.

Below is the map showing the SMR initiatives worldwide in various development stages.

However, there are still some concerns. One issue is nuclear proliferation. Aurora reactors use high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU). This type has more uranium-235 than regular nuclear fuel.

In some cases, the design may involve plutonium-based fuels from recycled waste. Critics worry that these materials, if not properly secured, could be diverted for use in weapons.

In response, Oklo claims its design traps plutonium in radioactive waste. This makes it hard and risky to extract for other uses.

Oklo’s Nuclear Peers: Who Else Is Powering Up?

Alongside Oklo, several companies are advancing nuclear energy through SMRs and microreactors.

NuScale Power, based in Oregon, is a public company whose VOYGR‑6 SMR design (462 MWe) was approved in May 2025, building on its earlier VOYGR‑4 certification in 2023. It leads the SMR field with NRC design approval and a growing project pipeline.

TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, is developing the Natrium reactor—a 345 MWe sodium‑cooled system paired with 1 GWh molten salt energy storage. Construction began in 2024, with commercial operation targeted by 2030.

Kairos Power focuses on fluoride‑salt high‑temperature reactors. It received NRC approval for its Hermes demonstration reactor in Tennessee and has a deal with Google to supply AI data centers by 2030.

Oklo’s Aurora microreactor represents a bold step forward in the future of clean, decentralized energy. Backed by the U.S. Air Force and rising investor trust, the company shows that small nuclear can significantly power remote sites, military bases, and tech infrastructure. While challenges remain, Oklo’s progress signals that microreactors may soon become a practical solution to both energy security and climate goals.

• READ MORE: Trump’s New EOs Revive Nuclear: Fast Reactors, Big Promises, and a Race Against Time

The post Oklo Stock Soars After U.S. Air Force Nuclear Energy Deal appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Disseminated on behalf of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd.

In early 2023, when gold hovered around US$1,970 per ounce and market momentum was weak, most investors played it safe. But West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc. (WRLG) didn’t. Instead, they took a bold, contrarian bet by acquiring the Madsen Mine—a once-prominent gold producer in Ontario’s Red Lake district—for C$6.5 million in cash, 40.73 million WRLG shares, a 1% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty, and deferred consideration payments of US$6.8 million.

Contrarian Call Pays Off: Reviving Madsen Mine

The mine had collapsed under its previous owner, Pure Gold Mining, due to a flawed resource model and undercapitalized execution. Despite over C$350 million invested by Pure Gold over seven years, the mine produced disappointing results and eventually went bankrupt. Most investors ran from the wreckage.

However, WRLG could foresee the potential of this mine. Madsen had produced over 2 million ounces of gold historically. It sat on high-grade mineralization in one of the world’s richest gold belts. The mine was fully permitted, had most of the required infrastructure in place, and needed the right team to fix past mistakes.

Expertise at Work: Fixing What Others Couldn’t

From mid-2023 to mid-2025, WRLG has done the grind to turn things around. They raised $140 million in tough markets. It was no easy feat, but gold-experienced investors understood the value of WRLG’s deep technical know-how. That know-how showed through in a clear plan for Madsen: rebuild trust, improve the resource model, add some key pieces of missing infrastructure, and prepare Madsen for a clean restart.

Key steps included:

• An intensive program of definition drilling to tighten spacing from ~20 meters to ~7 meters, to inform an accurate and high-resolution model of the gold deposit.
• Building a mine plan to optimize efficient mine design and mining optionality, two requirements for successful mining
• Completing critical infrastructure to support efficient operations, like the 1,448-meter Connection Drift—a major underground haulage route that was completed on time in March 2025 – and the 114-person on-site camp.
• Validating the entire approach via a bulk sample test, pulling 15,000 tonnes from six stopes in three parts of the resource to show that actual tonnes, grade, and contained gold on mining aligns very closely with WRLG’s modelled predictions.

WRLG has a strong backup from top mining investment firms like Sprott Lending, Van Eck Funds, and Accilent Capital and renowned mining legend Frank Giustra. Together, they’ve backed the company’s aggressive but carefully executed transformation.

Shane Williams, President and CEO of WRLG said,

“West Red Lake Gold has worked intensely over the last 16 months to greatly improve our knowledge of the orebody and de-risk the project with the objective of executing a successful restart of the Madsen Mine, and this PFS is the culmination of that effort. This initial reserve mine plan only taps well defined and tightly drilled parts of the deposit relatively close to existing workings and still generates robust margins based on a production rate of approximately 70,000 oz. per year that generate almost $400 million in post-tax free cash flow over a 7-year mine life.”

• RELATED: Why Gold, Why Now? A Generational Opportunity 

Execution Meets Opportunity: All Set for Production in 2025

Because of all this diligent planning and relentless effort, WRLG restarted the mine on time in late May and will ramp up gold production at the Madsen Mine through the second half of 2025. Achieving a purchase-to-production turnaround in just two years is rare in the mining world. This short timeline speaks volumes about WRLG’s pace and precision.

In January 2025, the company released a pre-feasibility mine plan showing strong free cash flow potential. And that’s before even factoring in upside from ongoing exploration. Since acquiring the mine, WRLG has invested CAD$140 million. Add to that the CAD$350 million spent by the previous owner and compare it to WRLG’s current valuation and position on the edge of gold production, and you get an undervalued project with significant built-in advantages.

Most importantly, WRLG is gearing up for production just as the gold market is exploding. Gold prices have hit all-time highs, recently trading above CAD$4,150 per ounce. The second quarter of 2025 set a record for average gold prices, and investors are now moving into gold equities, pushing valuations higher across the board.

WRLG is standing out for the right reasons. It’s a near-term producer sitting on a permitted, high-grade deposit in one of the world’s most proven gold districts. The infrastructure is in place, the plan is clear, and the timeline is short.

Smart, Bold, and Ready to Shine

West Red Lake Gold didn’t just pick up a bargain. They saw a failed operation and knew exactly what needed fixing. With vision, technical know-how, and rigorous follow-through, the company has turned a broken asset into a rare opportunity.

They moved in when others backed off and demonstrated with a successful bulk sample that their strategy works. Now, they’re ready to produce gold just as the market is red hot. This perfect mix of timing, talent, and hard work makes WRLG one of the most exciting gold stories unfolding today.

It’s best defined in their words,

“We are visionaries who acted on a coming market, pushed hard to unlock the value in a hated asset, and are now poised to be a rare and desirable new gold mine as gold trades through all-time highs and keeps climbing”.

• MUST READ: The Rarity of a New Gold Mine: West Red Lake Gold Could Be a Golden 2025 Opportunity 

DISCLAIMER

New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. made a one-time payment of $30,000 to provide marketing services for a term of 1 month. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options in the companies mentioned. This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular Issuer from one referenced date to another represent an arbitrarily chosen time period and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that Issuer and are of no predictive value. Our stock profiles are intended to highlight certain companies for your further investigation; they are not stock recommendations or constitute an offer or sale of the referenced securities. The securities issued by the companies we profile should be considered high risk; if you do invest despite these warnings, you may lose your entire investment. Please do your own research before investing, including reading the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures. It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee it.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “planned”, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the plans and timing for the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine, the potential (including the amount of tonnes and grades of material from the bulk sample program) of the Madsen Mine; the benefits of test mining; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Company’s future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company’s securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; timing and results of the cleanup and recovery at the Madsen Mine; and changes in the Company’s business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

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Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Adam Schiff have introduced the Wildfire Reduction and Carbon Removal Act of 2025. Known as S.1842, the bill offers tax credits to support biomass carbon removal—a method that reduces wildfire risk and cuts carbon emissions at the same time.

Lawmakers hope it will encourage private investment and improve forest management. This is especially important as wildfire seasons become more destructive.

What Does the Wildfire Reduction and Carbon Removal Act Aim to Do?

The act encourages the use of forest biomass, like dead trees, fallen branches, and overgrown underbrush, to remove carbon and reduce wildfire risks. Normally, this material decays or burns, releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. But by converting it into long-lasting products such as biochar or storing it underground, carbon is kept out of the air.

This method, known as Biomass Carbon Removal and Storage (BiCRS), helps create healthier forests. It also reduces fire risk in states like California, Oregon, and Colorado.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, wildfires destroyed almost 9 million acres in the U.S. in 2024. This number could further rise due to hotter, drier conditions driven by climate change.

Senator Whitehouse described the initiative as a response to a “twin crisis of climate change and catastrophic wildfires,” calling for stronger land management and climate action. He specifically noted:

“Climate change is making wildfires more intense and more destructive, increasingly putting lives, communities, and our entire economy at risk. Carbon removal is a key tool in our arsenal to mitigate these disasters, protect families’ health, and address the economy-wide harms from the climate crisis.”

The bill also aligns with the U.S. goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50–52% below 2005 levels by 2030.

How Do Tax Credits Work in This Plan?

The act offers tax credits to companies and landowners, helping make biomass projects cheaper. The credits apply to those who use verified carbon removal practices. These incentives help cover the cost of converting biomass into useful products or storing it safely.

• RELEVANT: Biomass Gets a Boost: What the CREST Act Means for Carbon Removal

By doing this, the bill encourages new investment while also creating jobs in forestry, carbon capture, and clean technology. Senator Schiff stated the bill will be the ‘carrot’ to incentivize responsible management of the forests.

This approach also shifts spending from emergency response to prevention. In 2023, the U.S. Forest Service spent more than $3 billion on wildfire suppression. With this bill, money would be used earlier to improve forest conditions and prevent major fire outbreaks.

The act provides grants and funding for small and rural communities. These areas often face the worst impacts from wildfires and economic struggles. These areas could receive support for job training and project development under the new law.

How Does the Bill Affect the Environment and Emissions?

The BiCRS strategy removes carbon from the atmosphere and stores it in a stable form. For example, turning extra plant material into biochar captures carbon. It also boosts soil health and helps retain water.

Wildfire smoke contains large amounts of CO₂, methane, and black carbon—all greenhouse gases that worsen climate change. Cutting fuel loads in forests makes wildfires less intense. It also helps them spread slowly, which reduces emissions a lot.

As seen in the chart below, wildfires released almost 160 million tonnes of CO₂ last year. Globally, it’s over 6 billion tonnes of carbon emissions. Governments are looking for ways to effectively manage wildfires and cut their polluting emissions. 

Studies from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) show that biochar can lock away carbon for hundreds to thousands of years. When applied to soil, it also boosts crop yields and reduces the need for fertilizers, lowering emissions even further.

The bill encourages actions that help reduce emissions now and protect the environment in the long run. It helps keep biodiversity by protecting forest ecosystems. These forests act as carbon sinks and homes for wildlife.

What Is the Carbon and Financial Blueprint Behind the Bill?

The Wildfire Reduction and Carbon Removal Act fits into the fast-growing carbon credit and green finance market. High-quality, verifiable carbon removal is in high demand as businesses seek to meet net-zero goals.

The global carbon market was valued at $851 billion in 2022 and could reach $2 trillion by 2030, according to a market report.

The bill helps carbon trading by creating more certified offsets through biomass removal. This also ensures real environmental benefits. This positions the U.S. as a leader in setting standards for durable carbon removal.

Moreover, landowners and tribal governments can benefit from carbon offset programs. They receive compensation for taking care of forests.

What Market Shifts Could This Bill Trigger?

The bill may accelerate several market trends, such as:

• Growth in biochar production. The global biochar market is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2030, growing at nearly 12% per year.
• Expansion of carbon removal start-ups. Venture capital in the carbon removal space reached over $1 billion globally in 2023 alone.
• Increased demand for monitoring and verification tech. Satellite imaging, AI-driven forestry tools, and soil carbon sensors will be vital in tracking carbon outcomes.

The law could also shift capital from traditional fossil fuel industries to sustainable practices. It supports “climate resilience” jobs. These jobs range from fire risk mapping to running biomass conversion facilities.

Communities in the western U.S. stand to benefit the most. States like Arizona, Montana, California, and Washington face high wildfire risk and need more economic diversity. They could use this act to start new local industries.

Can the Plan Deliver on Its Goals?

The act depends on careful design and monitoring. For example, it requires clear guidelines on how much biomass can be removed without harming ecosystems. It also sets strict rules for verifying tax credits. This ensures that only real and measurable carbon reductions are rewarded.

Researchers and environmental groups want a science-first approach. They aim to ensure carbon stays stored for the long term. With this fact, the bill supports partnerships with universities and research labs. This will help improve carbon modeling and land management tools.

If passed and done right, this law could cut emissions by millions of tonnes each year. It could also lower costs linked to wildfires and help start new climate-friendly businesses.

Instead of treating forest waste as a problem, the Wildfire Reduction and Carbon Removal Act treats it as a resource. The tools and lessons from this act could guide future policies, especially as the U.S. works to meet its 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

• READ MORE: Top 4 Carbon Removal Stocks Set to Suck Up and Cash In

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