Powering Growth Responsibly in Ohio: A Conversation with John Hanson

Ohio has long played a central role in America's energy system. From nuclear operations and engineering talent to advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure, the state understands what it means to power growth.

During a recent visit across Columbus and Pike County, John Hanson, Oklo's Chief of Staff and an Ohio native, met with business leaders, students, and community members focused on keeping Ohio competitive while strengthening grid reliability for the long term.

We spoke with John about Oklo's planned clean energy campus in Pike County and how Oklo's expansion approach can support reliability and affordability as demand accelerates.

You've been spending more time in Ohio lately. What stands out to you from those visits?

What has stood out the most is how seriously people are thinking about energy and competitiveness. In Columbus, conversations have centered on how Ohio can continue attracting advanced manufacturing and digital infrastructure. At Ohio State, there is a real focus on preparing the next generation of engineers who will build and operate the systems that support that growth. In Pike County, there is a clear understanding of what it means to host major energy infrastructure and to do it well.

Across the board, the message is consistent. Reliability matters. Long-term planning matters. And growth has to be managed in a way that strengthens the state's economic foundation. Ohio has done this before. There is confidence here, and it is grounded in experience.

Electricity demand is accelerating across the country. What does this moment mean for new power generation and the communities that will host it?

We are in a period of sustained demand growth that is reshaping the grid. New industries are coming online, and they require dependable, around-the-clock power. Communities want to know that reliability will remain strong as that growth unfolds. They also want confidence that infrastructure is being planned thoughtfully and early.

The way forward is clear. As demand grows, supply needs to grow with it, and that supply needs to be dependable. Our approach centers on adding new power generation that connects directly to the grid and supports overall system strength.

How does Oklo's planned clean energy campus fit into that growth?

Our planned campus in Pike County is designed to add new power generation directly to the regional grid in a way that aligns with a broader vision for a sustainable energy future. Construction, workforce development, and infrastructure planning move forward together, so capacity comes online in a way that respects the local community and supports the existing grid. The goal is to strengthen the system as demand increases and to protect Ohio's long-term economic trajectory.

Each Aurora powerhouse produces 75 megawatts of reliable electricity. We can deploy units over time based on actual system needs, with the potential to reach up to 1.2 gigawatts at full build-out. That scale is meaningful for both the region and the grid, creating hundreds of jobs and meeting demand, all at a steady pace.

Why is Ohio the right place for Oklo?

Energy expertise runs deep in Ohio, and our site in particular has a strong nuclear history and legacy. The state hosts a skilled workforce, established infrastructure, and institutions that understand what reliable operations require. This is a culture that values precision and long-term commitment, which aligns closely with how we operate.

At the same time, Ohio sits at the center of rising electricity demand. Advanced manufacturing, AI infrastructure, and emerging technologies are expanding across the state. This combination of industrial strength and forward-looking growth creates the right environment for responsible expansion. Ohio has both the legacy and the momentum to make it a strong fit for a model built around phased deployment and long-term ownership.

How does Oklo's model support affordability for ratepayers?

Affordability starts with planning ahead. When new demand enters the system, generation and infrastructure need to be developed in coordination. Careful alignment supports grid reliability and meaningful investment over time. Responsible growth, planned early and executed carefully, creates a durable foundation for affordability.

Under our model, commercial customers contract directly for the electricity they use and take responsibility for the infrastructure required to serve their demand, including transmission and interconnection upgrades. As a result, growth is directly connected to the investment needed to support it, reducing additional cost burdens on ratepayers.

What does community partnership look like in practice?

It begins with listening and showing up consistently. In Ohio, people ask direct and informed questions about operations, workforce development, and long-term commitment. That level of engagement reflects a state that understands the energy landscape and takes its role in that landscape seriously.

We intend to own and operate our campuses for decades. Anticipating a long-term presence shapes how we hire locally, invest in training, and work with regional institutions. It also shapes how we think about accountability. We are intentional about how we build, ensuring communities benefit without harm to existing systems. True partnership means contributing to a community's future, expanding its horizons and not simply building within its boundaries.

What gives you confidence in this project for the long term?

Ohio has sustained the nation's grid through periods of growth and transition before. That legacy reflects skilled workers, practical leadership, and a deep respect for reliability. We intend to leverage the area's strengths to bring the dependable power people need.

The future of energy will require clean generation, phased infrastructure planning, and steady execution. Advanced fission can play an important role in that future when it is deployed and operated with care. By adding reliable power in a phased and thoughtful way, we support economic growth while reinforcing grid strength.

Trust is built over time. Responsible expansion and focused investment are how we earn it.

To read more about how Oklo's approach focuses on phased deployment, job creation, and ensuring communities benefit without additional strain on existing systems, read John's full op-ed in the Pike County News Watchman.