The US Department of Energy (DOE) has approved the Nuclear Safety Design Agreement (NSDA) for its demonstration reactor being built at Abilene Christian University.
The Natura MSR-1 design is being developed at Abilene Christian University (ACU) as the university’s molten salt research reactor (MSRR). It is the first liquid-fuelled reactor design to receive a construction permit from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). MSR-1 is a 1 MWt, graphite-moderated, fluoride salt flowing fluid (fuel dissolved in the salt) research reactor. The MSRR will be used for on-campus nuclear research and training in advanced nuclear technologies. Natura is also partnering with Texas A&M University to deploy the MSR-100 design – a 100 MWe system for commercial applications.
The NSDA is the foundational framework between Natura and DOE for advancing the authorisation of Natura’s reactor technology. The agreement will enable alignment of design requirements, safety analysis methodology, regulatory engagement, and key safety decisions that support DOE authorisation to construct and operate a nuclear facility.
“The NSDA is a critical step in moving from design to deployment,” said Natura Resources CEO Jordan Robison. “It reflects years of disciplined engineering and regulatory preparation and positions Natura to advance through DOE’s authorisation process while maintaining full alignment with established nuclear safety standards.”
Natura’s 1 MWt molten salt research reactor, the LF-MSR, is one of 11 advanced reactor projects selected by DOE in 2025 for the Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program (RPP). The NSDA is the first step under the RPP authorisation pathway. DOE’s authorisation pathway mirrors many elements of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) traditional licensing framework. DOE’s parallel authorisation process ensures that the MSR-1 project maintains commercial-grade rigour while moving faster than traditional NRC commercial licensing.
This allows rapid iteration on the 1 MWt research reactor at Abilene Christian University. It leverages DOE’s internal safety authorities for non-power demonstration reactors and serves as a vital data-gathering step to de-risk the subsequent commercial NRC process. Mirroring the NRC framework DOE requires a Preliminary Safety Analysis Report before any major construction begins and a Final Safety Analysis Report to secure the authorisation to load fuel and operate. Data from MSR-1 will directly feed into the formal NRC licensing pipeline for the 100 MWe commercial reactor.
In June, Natura signed an agreement with Quadrant Nuclear Industries to serve as a recipient of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for its commercial reactor systems. Quadrant is developing an integrated HALEU production capability in coordination with the DOE and other key stakeholders, with plans for a facility at Idaho National Laboratory designed to produce up to 18 tonnes of HALEU a year.
Natura Resources is a privately owned company established in 2020 and headquartered in Abilene. It was founded by Executive Chairman Douglass Robison, a third-generation Permian Basin. Natura has secured over $120m in private funding alongside a $120m commitment from the State of Texas. Investors include Toyota Ventures. The company partners with 3M for stable isotope development and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for coolant salt procurement.
