Texas A&M University System is positioning itself at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation by offering land for the development of small nuclear reactors (SMRs). This initiative aims to bolster the state’s electric grid and address the increasing national demand for power. The project, dubbed “The Energy Proving Ground,” will be located at the RELLIS campus in Bryan, Texas, a 2,400-acre technology and innovation hub. Four nuclear reactor companies—Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy, and Aalo Atomics—have partnered with the Texas A&M System to construct these advanced reactors. The collaboration is expected to leverage Texas A&M’s research and nuclear engineering capabilities while contributing clean, reliable electricity to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
The proposed site is designed to accommodate multiple SMRs, with a combined electrical output projected to exceed one gigawatt. The reactors will not only support local power needs but also position Texas as a leader in the American nuclear technology sector. The Texas A&M System has streamlined regulatory processes and initiated the application for an Early Site Permit with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, aiming to expedite the operational readiness of these reactors.
Each company involved brings unique technologies to the project. Terrestrial Energy plans to develop its Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology, while Aalo Atomics could construct up to six Aalo Pods, emphasizing factory mass-manufactured nuclear technology. Kairos Power is considering one or more commercial deployments, reflecting the growing national focus on clean energy solutions. Natura Resources, having already collaborated with Texas A&M for five years, will deploy its commercial system, the Natura MSR-100, to address broader energy needs
The first reactors could be operational within five years, providing a significant boost to both energy production and the local economy. The Energy Proving Ground is part of Texas A&M System’s broader commitment to advancing nuclear research, education, and sustainable energy solutions, setting a precedent for future deployments of small nuclear reactors across the United States.
