#United States #Natura Resources #Molten Salt Reactor #USREL #Emery County

Natura Resources Leases Utah San Rafael Energy Lab

Natura Resources LLC, a pioneering entity in the advanced nuclear sector, recently made headlines with its strategic decision to lease the Utah San Rafael Energy Lab (USREL) located in Emery County, Utah. This initiative is aimed at propelling the development of its advanced molten salt reactor (MSR) technology from theoretical research towards practical, commercial applications.

The USREL is outfitted with cutting-edge facilities that allow for precise measurement of the scientific properties of molten salts, which are crucial for gathering data necessary for regulatory approval and reactor licensing. This facility not only supports the ongoing research necessary for the commercialization of Natura's MSR but also delves into the production of medical isotopes—an area highlighted for its innovation potential.

Doug Robison, founder and CEO of Natura Resources, underlined the significance of this arrangement, stating, "This agreement supports the precision testing that gets us closer to a critical, commercial-stage reactor." The USREL is designed to meet national lab-grade standards and is set to generate the required data for obtaining regulatory clearance, moving Natura's molten salt technology one step closer to actual commercial operations.

One of the standout features of Natura's MSR is its use of liquid fuel, which differentiates it from traditional solid-fuel reactors. This unique characteristic not only enhances the safety profile of the reactors but also simplifies processes for recycling fuel, thereby improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of energy production. Moreover, the capacity for large-scale medical isotope production positions these reactors as versatile contributors to both energy generation and healthcare sectors.

In the context of operations, the lab will be integral to the qualification of fuel salts, measuring vital properties such as density, viscosity, and thermal conductivity—all under stringent nuclear-quality assurance standards. These measurements are key to the safety assessments and performance models required for the operation of Natura's MSR-1 reactor, currently under construction at the Science and Engineering Research Center (SERC) in Abilene, Texas.

Beyond immediate applications, Natura is also contemplating using the USREL as a hub for fuel synthesis—converting uranium metal to uranium fluoride—and salt recycling to establish a sustainable closed-loop fuel cycle. Jordan Robison, COO of Natura Resources, emphasized the laboratory's role, stating, "USREL is an enabling asset for the next phase of our mission."

The strategic lease reflects Natura's steadfast commitment to building the necessary infrastructure and forging partnerships essential for demonstrating the first commercial-scale liquid-fueled molten salt reactor in the United States. This aligns with broader national interests in energy security, as emphasized by the Trump Administration and the Department of Energy, which advocate for American energy independence.

In summary, Natura Resources is not only advancing its prototypical technologies through the USREL lease but is also positioned firmly within the larger narrative of energy innovation. With a privately funded backing totaling over $120 million and a commitment from the State of Texas, Natura stands as a leader in the pursuit of scalable solutions in the advanced nuclear domain. For further information, visit Natura Resources.