The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has made a historic announcement that is set to revolutionize the world of nuclear energy. Abilene Christian University (ACU) has been issued a construction permit to build the Natura MSR-1, a 1 megawatt thermal molten salt reactor system, marking the first liquid salt fueled reactor licensed by the NRC in American history.
This groundbreaking development is not only a significant milestone for the NRC, but it also marks the first U.S. university research reactor approved in more than three decades. The Natura MSR-1 deployment at ACU is a collaborative effort between Natura Resources, ACU's NEXT Lab, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, and Georgia Institute of Technology, who have come together to form the Natura Resources Research Alliance.
The construction permit is only the second ever for an advanced nuclear reactor, a new generation of nuclear power designed to be safer, more efficient, and more cost-competitive than traditional nuclear reactors. According to Douglass Robison, Natura Resources founder and president, "If we're going to meet the growing energy needs, not only in the State of Texas but in our country and the world at large, we must begin deploying advanced nuclear reactors."
The Natura MSR-1 deployment at ACU is also significant because it will provide operational data that will allow Natura Resources to safely and efficiently design and deploy its commercial systems. This data will be invaluable in helping to address the growing global demand for energy. The MSRR will be located at ACU's Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center, the nation's first advanced reactor demonstration facility outside of a national lab.
The partnership between ACU and Natura Resources is a testament to the university's commitment to innovation and education. By bringing together top researchers and institutions, the Natura Resources Research Alliance is well-positioned to make a significant contribution to the field of nuclear energy.
The construction of the Natura MSR-1 at ACU is a pioneering step towards a nuclear energy revolution. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and energy supply, this development offers a promising solution. With its advanced technology and collaborative approach, the Natura MSR-1 is poised to change the face of nuclear energy and pave the way for a more sustainable future.