Latest news with #DougRobison
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Nuclear Power Renaissance Underway in West Texas
When you think of innovative advancements in nuclear power technology, places like the Idaho National Laboratory and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology probably come to mind. But today, some very exciting nuclear power development work is being done in West Texas, specifically, at Abilene Christian University (ACU). That's where Natura Resources is working to construct a molten salt–cooled, liquid-fueled reactor (MSR). 'We are in the process of building, most likely, the country's first advanced nuclear reactor,' Doug Robison, founder and CEO of Natura Resources, said as a guest on The POWER Podcast. Natura has taken an iterative, milestone-based approach to advanced reactor development and deployment, focused on efficiency and performance. This started in 2020 when the company brought together ACU's NEXT Lab with Texas A&M University; the University of Texas, Austin; and the Georgia Institute of Technology to form the Natura Resources Research Alliance. In only four years, Natura and its partners developed a unique nuclear power system and successfully licensed the design. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a construction permit for deployment of the system at ACU last September. Called the MSR-1, ACU's unit will be a 1-MWth molten salt research reactor (MSRR). It is expected to provide valuable operational data to support Natura's 100-MWe systems. It will also serve as a 'world-class research tool' to train advanced reactor operators and educate students, the company said. The technology is not new. It was actually proven decades ago. 'A molten salt reactor was built at Oak Ridge in the 1960s—the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment or the MSRE—and that reactor functioned for about five years, then was shelved in favor of solid-fuel or light-water reactors [LWRs] that we're all familiar with,' Robison explained. 'That was really a decision made because the customer in the 1960s was the Department of Defense, and Admiral Rickover was building a nuclear Navy, and they needed to enrich uranium to plutonium for warheads, and solid fuel reactors are more suited for those purposes,' Robison added. The coolant is one of the main differences between LWRs and MSRs. As the names imply, an LWR is cooled by water, while an MSR is cooled by molten salt. LWRs require thick pressure vessels and high-pressure piping to safely contain pressurized water, provide radiation shielding, and ensure long-term structural integrity. Today, there are no U.S. manufacturers with the capability to forge a large nuclear reactor vessel, so they must be sourced overseas. Notably, molten salt turns from a solid to a liquid at about 450C, but it doesn't turn to a gas until about 1,400C, which is above the melting point of stainless steel. 'What that means is you can never get to the point to where the salt flashes to a steam, so we operate at very, very high temperatures, which is a big advantage because the high process heat—from an efficiency standpoint and manufacturing standpoint—is incredibly valuable, but we operate at atmospheric pressure, because the salt never transfers into a gas. It goes from a solid to a liquid. And, if you were to have some kind of leak or release, once you drop below 450 degrees C, it immediately freezes back into a solid, so kind of picture candle wax, if you will. So, it's called 'walk-away safe' for that reason. You don't need a containment dome,' explained Robison. These factors significantly reduce the cost of MSR facilities compared to LWR plants. MSR reactor vessels, for example, can be manufactured by Teledyne Brown Engineering in Huntsville, Alabama, and perhaps elsewhere in the U.S. Robison said everything needed to construct an MSR can be made in America, and he expects much of it to be manufactured in Texas. 'Governor Abbott has said, 'We want Texas to capture this industry,' ' noted Robison. 'Houston, Texas refers to itself as the energy capital of the world. So, we've been working with the Greater Houston Partnership and the Houston Energy Transition Initiative [to answer the question] 'How does that manufacturing happen not just in the U.S., but how does it happen in Texas?' ' Liquid fuel also provides an advantage for MSRs versus the LWR's solid-fuel design. '[In] the solid-fueled reactor, you have the fuel inside the fuel rod. And under current technology, when you burn 3% to 5% of the fuel, then at that point, the rod begins to decay. That is your first level of containment, so you have to pull the rod. That now becomes 'spent nuclear fuel' and enters into the waste stream. You still have 95% to 97% of perfectly good fuel inside that fuel rod. And now the problem becomes: 'What do we do with this nuclear waste that's going to be around for 100,000 years?' ' In an MSR, the fuel is dissolved in the salt. 'What that means is we burn practically 100% of the fuel. We do not throw unspent nuclear fuel away, and so our efficiency goes way up. We do not generate the waste that you see with a light-water reactor,' said Robison. 'In fact, molten salt reactors can utilize current stockpiles of spent nuclear fuel that is sitting in storage at different nuclear reactors around the nation, and we can take that fuel, and re-utilize that as fuel for a molten salt reactor.' Natura is not only focused on its ACU project, but it is also moving forward on commercial reactor projects. In February, the company announced the deployment of two advanced nuclear projects, which are also in Texas. These deployments, located in the Permian Basin and at Texas A&M University's RELLIS Campus, represent significant strides in addressing energy and water needs in the state. 'Our first was a deployment of a Natura commercial reactor in the Permian Basin, which is where I spent my career. We're partnering with a Texas produced-water consortium that was created by the legislature in 2021,' said Robison. 'Produced water' is the water brought to the surface during oil and gas extraction processes. It is a byproduct of hydrocarbon production and typically consists of formation water that was originally present in the underground reservoir, along with additional water introduced during extraction operations. It typically has a salinity that is three times that of seawater, but it can be double or triple that in some instances. In any case, it cannot be released on the surface and must currently be reinjected back into the formation, which can create additional problems. One of the things that can be done with the high process heat from an MSR is desalinization. 'So, we're going to be desalinating produced water and providing power—clean power—to the oil and gas industry for their operations in the Permian Basin,' said Robison. Meanwhile, at Texas A&M's RELLIS Campus, which is located about eight miles northwest of the university's main campus in College Station, Texas, a Natura MSR-100 reactor will be deployed. The 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). Robison believes the Stargate Project, a massive $500 billion initiative aimed at building advanced hyperscale data centers across the U.S. to power next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) models, could also present an opportunity for Natura. 'The very first deployment of Stargate is scheduled to be in Abilene, Texas. We can actually see the data center that's being constructed from the windows of our offices,' he said. 'We may see something happen there just given the proximity of what they're doing and what we're doing,' Robison envisaged. To hear the full interview with Robison, which contains more about the creation of Natura Resources, the selection of MSR technology for its design, its collaboration with ACU, the work done to license the reactor, and much more, listen to The POWER Podcast. Click on the SoundCloud player below to listen in your browser now or use the following links to reach the show page on your favorite podcast platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube YouTube Music Amazon Music iHeart TuneIn SoundCloud The POWER Podcast · 184. Nuclear Power Renaissance Underway in West Texas For more power podcasts, visit The POWER Podcast archives. —Aaron Larson is POWER's executive editor (@AaronL_Power, @POWERmagazine).
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Natura Resources Announces Two Advanced Nuclear Deployments in Texas
ABILENE, Texas, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura Resources (Natura) is proud to announce 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 DeploymentNatura 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. Doug Robison, Founder and CEO of Natura Resources, emphasized the importance of this partnership: "Our collaboration with Texas Tech and ACU is a pivotal step in addressing Texas' critical water and energy challenges. By leveraging our MSR technology, we aim to secure crucial water resources and drive innovation in clean energy." Texas A&M University RELLIS Campus DeploymentIn 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). Doug Robison highlighted the significance of this deployment: "We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Texas A&M University to showcase how our technology can meet the energy needs of Texas and the nation. The Natura MSR-100 at the RELLIS Campus will play a crucial role in advancing our clean energy mission." Technology Overview: Natura MSR-100The 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. State of Texas EndorsementGovernor Greg Abbott, in his State of the State Address on February 2, 2025, emphasized the importance of nuclear energy for Texas: "It is time for Texas to lead the nuclear power renaissance in the United States." This statement underscores the state's commitment to advancing nuclear technology and positioning Texas as a leader in clean energy innovation. Additionally, the 2024 Interim Report from the Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs highlighted Natura as a potential solution to power the state water plan, further validating the significance of these deployments. The Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs, chaired by Senator Charles Perry, stated in the 2024 Interim Report that Natura's advanced nuclear technology offers a promising solution to our state's water and energy challenges. By integrating desalination with energy production, the technology can ensure a sustainable future for Texas. During the press event at Texas A&M in February, Representative Cody Harris stated that advanced nuclear deployments, such as Natura's deployment at the RELLIS, will positively impact not only Texas, but the rest of the World as well. Driving Community and Business Growth in TexasThese advanced nuclear deployments are expected to have a profound impact on local communities. By providing a stable and reliable source of clean energy, these projects will support economic growth and job creation in the regions. The integration of Natura's MSR technology with desalination systems will also address water scarcity, ensuring that local communities have access to purified water for agricultural and other uses. This dual benefit of energy and water security will enhance the quality of life for residents and contribute to the overall sustainability of the regions. The need for reliable and abundant energy is critical for attracting and sustaining business growth in Texas. With the rise of data centers, fabrication, and manufacturing facilities, the demand for electricity is surging. Texas' business-friendly environment, combined with Natura's advanced nuclear technology, positions the state to meet this growing demand. By providing a stable and clean energy source, Natura's deployments will support the expansion of data centers and other energy-intensive industries, driving economic development and solidifying Texas' status as a leader in the 21st-century economy. For more information about Natura Resources and its role in advancing small modular reactor technology, please contact Andrew Harmon or visit About Natura ResourcesNatura Resources LLC is a leading advanced reactor developer committed to answering the world's increased demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes, and clean water by developing commercially deployable molten salt reactors. Natura's small modular reactors are liquid-fueled and molten salt-cooled, which increases efficiency and reduces waste. The Natura MSR-1 being deployed at Abilene Christian University is the first liquid-fueled reactor design to receive a construction permit from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In less than five years, Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to performance. Natura's leadership team has a proven track record of revolutionizing the energy industry with innovative technology and tangible results. Natura is privately owned and has secured over $78 million in funding through its first three investment rounds. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Natura Resources Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Texas Tech partners with Natura, ACU to advance cutting-edge technology
Jan. 28—Texas Tech University announced Tuesday that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Natura Resources LLC of Abilene and Abilene Christian University (ACU) to seek business opportunities and funding for projects related to Natura's molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction on the ACU campus. The collaboration, which includes the Texas Produced Water Consortium (TxPWC) located at Texas Tech, builds on the rapid progress of the Natura MSR-1 system, which has become one of the nation's leading advanced reactor projects. Together, the partners will demonstrate the potential for Natura's commercial reactors to address Texas' critical water and energy needs by integrating MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems. "This partnership will address critical challenges we face as a state," Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec said in a news release. "By working with Natura and Abilene Christian University, we're securing crucial water resources and driving innovation in energy. By creating greater access to water, energy and jobs, we will contribute to a stronger future for our communities. Texas Tech is proud to be part of this collaborative effort." Texas faces significant challenges in meeting its growing demand for clean energy and water. Small modular MSRs offer a promising and scalable solution and could become a valuable asset to purify produced water generated by oil and gas wells, which is then available for agricultural and other beneficial uses. The integration of MSR technology with desalination systems will provide a sustainable and efficient way to address these needs. "Natura Resources' MSR technology represents a significant advancement in clean energy innovation, equipping Texas with the tools to meet its energy and water needs for decades to come," said Doug Robison, founder and president of Natura Resources. "Our partnership with Texas Tech University and Abilene Christian University exemplifies our collaborative approach to addressing critical challenges and driving technological advancements. This collaboration will pave the way for the commercial development and deployment of MSR technology in Texas and beyond." Texas Tech's faculty members bring extensive expertise in chemical process engineering, separation technologies and the high-temperature environments required for MSRs. The university has developed a strong reputation for research in extreme conditions, drawing from its experience with oil well technology. The TxPWC is leading research and development of purification of produced water and its beneficial use for Texans. Additionally, Reese Center, located west of the university's main campus in Lubbock, provides a secure and specialized environment for conducting the research necessary to advance MSR systems. "ACU has long standing relationships with Natura and Texas Tech, so it's exciting when our research and technology initiatives align in this kind of unique partnership," said Phil Schubert, ACU president. "We look forward to growing opportunities and making a real difference in Texas and around the world." The next steps for this partnership include the completion of the demonstration reactor and the development of systems to integrate Natura's reactors with water desalination and energy production technologies.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New project will use ACU salt reactor to ‘address Texas' critical energy and water needs'
(PRESS RELEASE) – Texas Tech University is partnering with Natura Resources and Abilene Christian University to deploy Natura's molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction at ACU. The collaboration aims to integrate MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems, addressing Texas' critical energy and water needs. Why This Matters: Water Security: The integration of MSRs with desalination technology offers a sustainable solution to Texas' growing water scarcity through purification of produced water generated by oil and gas production. Energy Innovation: Small modular MSRs provide a scalable, clean energy source, helping meet the state's increasing energy demands. Economic Growth: The partnership will accelerate the commercial development of MSRs and fosters business opportunities, research funding and job creation, strengthening Texas' leadership in advanced energy and water technologies. Workforce Development: This project aims to create a workforce trained in chemical operations at extreme conditions, directly benefiting Texas. Texas Tech University announced today (Jan. 28) that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Natura Resources LLC of Abilene and Abilene Christian University to seek business opportunities and funding for projects related to Natura's molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction on the ACU campus. The collaboration, which includes the Texas Produced Water Consortium (TxPWC) located at Texas Tech, builds on the rapid progress of the Natura MSR-1 system, which has become one of the nation's leading advanced reactor projects. Together, the partners will demonstrate the potential for Natura's commercial reactors to address Texas' critical water and energy needs by integrating MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems. 'This partnership will address critical challenges we face as a state,' said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. 'By working with Natura and Abilene Christian University, we're securing crucial water resources and driving innovation in energy. By creating greater access to water, energy and jobs, we will contribute to a stronger future for our communities. Texas Tech is proud to be part of this collaborative effort.' Texas faces significant challenges in meeting its growing demand for clean energy and water. Small modular MSRs offer a promising and scalable solution and could become a valuable asset to purify produced water generated by oil and gas wells, which is then available for agricultural and other beneficial uses. The integration of MSR technology with desalination systems will provide a sustainable and efficient way to address these needs. 'Natura Resources' MSR technology represents a significant advancement in clean energy innovation, equipping Texas with the tools to meet its energy and water needs for decades to come,' said Doug Robison, founder and president of Natura Resources. 'Our partnership with Texas Tech University and Abilene Christian University exemplifies our collaborative approach to addressing critical challenges and driving technological advancements. This collaboration will pave the way for the commercial development and deployment of MSR technology in Texas and beyond.' Texas Tech's faculty members bring extensive expertise in chemical process engineering, separation technologies and the high-temperature environments required for MSRs. The university has developed a strong reputation for research in extreme conditions, drawing from its experience with oil well technology. The TxPWC is leading research and development of purification of produced water and its beneficial use for Texans. Additionally, Reese Center, located west of the university's main campus in Lubbock, provides a secure and specialized environment for conducting the research necessary to advance MSR systems. 'ACU has long standing relationships with Natura and Texas Tech, so it's exciting when our research and technology initiatives align in this kind of unique partnership,' said Phil Schubert, ACU president. 'We look forward to growing opportunities and making a real difference in Texas and around the world.' The next steps for this partnership include the completion of the demonstration reactor and the development of systems to integrate Natura's reactors with water desalination and energy production technologies. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
