Natura Resources has announced the deployment of two advanced nuclear projects in Texas, aimed at enhancing energy security and reliability for the rapidly growing state. These deployments, located in the Permian Basin and at Texas A&M University’s RELLIS Campus, represent significant strides in addressing Texas’ energy and water needs.
Permian Basin Deployment
Natura has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Texas Tech University (TTU) and Abilene Christian University (ACU) to advance its molten salt reactor (MSR) technology. This collaboration, which includes the Texas Produced Water Consortium (TxPWC) at Texas Tech, focuses on integrating MSR technology with water desalination systems. The goal is to provide a sustainable solution for water scarcity by purifying produced water from oil and gas operations, making it available for agricultural and other beneficial uses.
Texas A&M University RELLIS Campus Deployment
In a parallel effort, Natura is partnering with Texas A&M University to deploy the Natura MSR-100 reactor at the RELLIS Campus. This initiative is part of a broader project known as “The Energy Proving Ground,” which involves multiple nuclear reactor companies. The project aims to bring commercial-ready small modular reactors (SMRs) to the site, providing a reliable source of clean energy for the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
Technology Overview: Natura MSR-100
The Natura MSR-100 is a cutting-edge small modular reactor (SMR) that utilizes molten salt reactor (MSR) technology. Key features of the Natura MSR-100 include:
- Liquid-Fueled Design: The reactor uses a liquid fuel composed of fissile uranium material dissolved in a molten salt mixture. This design enhances safety and efficiency and produces less long-lived radioactive waste.
- High-Temperature Operation: The reactor operates at temperatures exceeding 600°C, which improves thermal efficiency and electricity generation.
- Inherent Safety Features: The MSR-100 operates at lower pressures and includes passive safety mechanisms that reduce the risk of accidents.
- Desalination Capability: The high-temperature heat generated by the MSR-100 can be used for desalination, providing a sustainable source of clean water.