At Texas A&M-RELLIS, some of the state’s most brilliant minds come together to work on projects that are transforming the world. The campus is a hub of various research discoveries, from space robots to simulated explosions to more resilient infrastructure. And one big project in the works is likely to revolutionize energy use in America and beyond, advancing Texas A&M University’s mission to build a brighter, safer world.
At the center of the project is the PWR-5 pilot reactor, a 5-megawatt nuclear reactor made by Last Energy. The reactor is being built first to demonstrate safe, low-power criticality and then, in later phases, its ability to generate electricity for the grid.
The project is currently under construction at A&M-RELLIS, where The Texas A&M University System is building the RELLIS Energy Proving Ground, one of the nation’s leading hubs for next-generation energy research, testing and workforce development. The proving ground is part of the 3,300-acre campus dedicated to large-scale innovative projects. The nuclear initiatives within the Energy Proving Ground will test small modular reactors and other cutting-edge nuclear technologies in collaboration with private firms such as Last Energy and Terrestrial Energy Inc.
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With Texas A&M already boasting a wealth of research leaders and a mission rooted in serving the state, the nation and beyond, the institution was a natural choice for the project’s location.
“The Texas A&M University System is helping build the future of energy right here in Texas,” said Robert L. Albritton, chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “RELLIS was created to bring big ideas out of the laboratory and into the real world. Projects like this help ensure our state and our country remain leaders in energy, technology and economic growth.”
In May, the Texas A&M System recognized a major milestone in the project as Last Energy announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) had approved the Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis (PDSA) for the reactor project at A&M-RELLIS. This means that the preliminary safety basis for the reactor, facility and planned operations has been established.
In early October, the DOE approved Last Energy’s Documented Safety Analysis (DSA) for the pilot reactor. The DSA is the final and most comprehensive safety analysis in the DOE authorization process. It documents in detail how Last Energy’s reactor and facility will be operated safely, building on the company’s PDSA.
“The Texas A&M University System is helping build the future of energy right here in Texas.”
Robert L. Albritton
Chairman
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents
Texas A&M System Chancellor Glenn Hegar said the work underway at A&M-RELLIS reflects the Texas A&M System’s long-term commitment to research that serves the public and strengthens the nation’s future.
“The future will require enormous amounts of safe, reliable and affordable power,” Hegar said. “The Texas A&M System is creating a place where innovators, researchers and industry can work together to develop the technologies that will help meet those challenges. What is happening at RELLIS today will help shape the future of energy in Texas and across America.”
“Our goal is to accelerate innovation so America has access to reliable, affordable and secure energy for decades to come,” said Dr. Joe Elabd, vice chancellor of research at the Texas A&M System. “The site will also be home to several advanced nuclear reactor projects, making it one of the most unique energy research campuses in the country.”
In June, the Texas A&M System signed agreements with Terrestrial Energy Inc. to advance the development of its planned small modular reactor. The ground lease and research agreements support site characterization, environmental evaluations, testing and research activity connected to the company’s Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR).
The RELLIS Energy Proving Ground initiative brings together industry, government and researchers to accelerate the safe development of emerging energy technologies needed to power the future economy. Thanks in part to the initiative, A&M-RELLIS has emerged as a nationally recognized site for testing and demonstrating next-generation energy systems.
“Our goal is to accelerate innovation so America has access to reliable, affordable and secure energy for decades to come.”
Dr. Joe Elabd
Vice Chancellor of Research
The Texas A&M University System
Last Energy’s PWR-5 project and Terrestrial Energy’s IMSR are two of several advanced energy projects in development at the proving ground, coming at a time when Texas and the nation face rapidly growing demand for reliable electricity driven by population growth, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data infrastructure.
“As our country needs more electricity to power growing communities, manufacturing and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, we need more dependable sources of energy,” said Dr. David Staack, deputy vice chancellor for research and director of the Energy Proving Ground initiatives. “Advanced nuclear reactors can provide reliable, around-the-clock power while complementing other energy sources. Here at Texas A&M, we’re helping companies safely demonstrate these technologies and move them from research into real-world use much faster.”
With experts working together to address the nation’s energy needs, Texas A&M continues to fulfill its land-grant mission of conducting research that serves the public.
“Texas A&M brings together world-class engineering, industry partnerships and one of the nation’s premier research ecosystems — all in one place,” said Elabd. “By creating an environment where companies can test and demonstrate new reactor designs side by side, we’re helping strengthen America’s energy security, grow the workforce of the future and ensure the United States remains a global leader in energy innovation.”
