Oklo Inc. (NYSE: OKLO), a nuclear reactor developer, experienced a significant after-hours plunge of -5.35% on November 1st, highlighting the ongoing volatility surrounding the stock. This decline comes as investors weigh the company's potential to capitalize on the growing demand for energy from data centers against the challenges it faces in achieving commercial operations.

The stock had rallied in recent weeks, driven by projections of surging energy demand from AI-driven data centers. Major tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have announced deals and partnerships to support nuclear energy as a means to power their vast data center operations. As Oklo reported a 93% year-over-year increase in energy demand from customers since July 2023, with data centers being the primary driver, investors have been optimistic about the company's prospects.

However, as a recent analysis by Green Growth Giants [GGG] pointed out, Oklo's path to becoming operational and generating revenue is still a long one. While the company has made progress towards regulatory approvals and plans to begin construction of its fuel fabrication facility, the first fuel production is not expected until 2030, with scaled-up operations commencing in 2031. This extended timeline and the uncertainties surrounding commercialization have contributed to the stock's volatility, as investors grapple with the balance between potential and risk.