Chancellor Sharp noted that Texas has a competitive edge in this arena due to its leadership in energy production and strong state government support. While other regions may hesitate to adopt new nuclear technologies, Texas is ready to lead. The first SMRs could be operational within five years, with the potential to supply power directly to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
For the participating companies, the agreement provides land and a strategic platform to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation nuclear reactor technologies.
Mike Laufer, CEO of Kairos Power, emphasized the increasing demand for clean energy, which has elevated nuclear power’s role in the national energy strategy. His company plans to deploy commercial SMR units at the site, contributing to energy security and economic growth in the state.
Natura Resources has a longstanding relationship with the university, having collaborated on the Natura MSR-1 demonstration system. CEO Douglass Robison expressed enthusiasm about expanding this partnership through the deployment of Natura’s commercial system, designed to showcase the scalability of modular reactor technology in meeting the country's increasing energy demands.
Similarly, Terrestrial Energy views this collaboration as an opportunity to showcase its Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology. CEO Simon Irish noted that Texas A&M’s top-tier research capabilities and expertise in nuclear engineering create an ideal environment for driving the future of modular reactor development, positioning Texas as a national leader in advanced nuclear technology.
One of the major advantages of this initiative is the streamlined regulatory process. The Texas A&M System has already initiated the Early Site Permit (ESP) application with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which will expedite the deployment of SMRs. The Energy Proving Ground will accommodate multiple reactors with a combined output exceeding one gigawatt, significantly strengthening Texas’ energy infrastructure.
For Aalo Atomics, this regulatory efficiency is a game-changer. The company plans to build up to six of its Aalo Pods, demonstrating the scalability and reliability of its mass-manufactured nuclear technology.
Joe Elabd, vice chancellor for research at Texas A&M, highlighted the transformative potential of the Energy Proving Ground. He believes the partnership will fundamentally reshape the U.S. energy landscape, establishing SMRs as a key pillar of the nation’s future energy strategy.
