Texas A&M partners with four companies for nuclear energy innovation
Texas A&M University System has taken a monumental step toward revolutionizing nuclear energy by selecting four pioneering companies to develop advanced small modular reactor (SMR) technologies at its esteemed Rellis Campus in Bryan. The chosen firms—Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Aalo Atomics, and Terrestrial Energy—will play a key role in shaping the future of energy in Texas and beyond.
Chancellor John Sharp underscored the urgency of expanding energy infrastructure, stating, “Plain and simple: the United States needs more power.” The project, dubbed “The Energy Proving Ground,” is part of Texas A&M’s commitment to meeting the growing electricity demands of industries, particularly data centers powering artificial intelligence systems. This initiative is expected to reinforce Texas’s position as a leader in advanced nuclear energy.
As part of this bold endeavor, Texas A&M has applied for an early site permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. If approved, the university will become the first higher education institution in the nation with a commercial nuclear reactor site license. To support the project’s ambitious goals, Texas A&M is requesting $200 million from the Texas General Fund for essential infrastructure improvements at Rellis Campus.
Each participating company brings a distinct vision to the table. Natura Resources aims to launch its first commercial reactor by 2030 with an estimated capacity of 100 megawatts, while Aalo Atomics, under CEO Matt Loszak, is focused on delivering nuclear power solutions tailored for data centers. Terrestrial Energy is planning a commercial demonstration plant capable of generating 400 megawatts of electricity, significantly contributing to Texas’s energy needs.
Governor Greg Abbott has been vocal about his commitment to positioning Texas as “the global leader in advanced nuclear power.” To this end, legislative discussions are underway regarding taxpayer-backed subsidies for nuclear energy expansion. Kairos Power, the largest of the four firms, is poised to make significant strides in commercialization, having already developed a test reactor in Tennessee and secured a partnership with Google.
Beyond addressing Texas’s energy needs, the project has broader implications for technological advancement. Texas A&M Vice Chancellor for Research Joe Elabd envisions Rellis Campus as a hub for artificial intelligence and energy research, further attracting investment and innovation. With negotiations underway for land leases and power agreements, this partnership marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of nuclear energy, setting a new standard for sustainable and scalable power solutions in Texas and the United States.
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