#United States #Natura Resources #Abilene #Department of Energy #Nuclear Reactor

Natura Resources Secures Critical Molten Salt Allocation

Natura Resources LLC (commonly referred to as Natura), a front-runner in developing advanced molten-salt nuclear reactors (MSR), has recently been selected to receive a vital allocation of coolant salt from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). This significant development marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to launch next-generation nuclear energy in the United States.

The U.S. Department of Energy announced this allocation from the coolant salt used in the historical Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) as part of a competitive proposal for material distribution that was issued in August 2025. The allocated salt coolant, known as FLiBE, contains an impressive 99.99% enriched lithium-7 (Li-7). This allocation is paramount for Natura's 1-megawatt (MW) reactor, which is set to achieve criticality in the coming year, ensuring that the project remains on course to become one of the first Gen IV nuclear reactors deployed in the United States.

Doug Robison, the Founder and CEO of Natura Resources, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Department of Energy, stating, "We deeply value the Department of Energy's continued support and their confidence in our team as we advance the future of nuclear energy." He further emphasized that with their reactor facility already complete, this salt allocation secures their timeline to launch the MSR-1 in 2026, thereby contributing significantly to meeting America’s growing energy demands.

The historical context surrounding the MSRE, which operated at Oak Ridge National Laboratory from 1965 to 1969, showcases the feasibility of liquid-fueled reactor technology. Natura's MSR-1 is positioned to build on this legacy with advanced engineering and safety enhancements, aimed at delivering reliable and affordable baseload power to fulfill increasing domestic and global energy requirements, along with providing medical isotopes and clean water.

In August, Natura was also recognized as one of ten advanced reactor companies under the DOE’s Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, signaling a further commitment to innovation in the nuclear energy sector. The DOE has conditionally pledged to supply High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) for the MSR-1 project. Complementing these developments, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued a construction permit in September 2024 for Natura's 1-MW reactor located at Abilene Christian University. Now, Natura is actively pursuing DOE authorization to construct and operate the reactor while using the NRC's prior approval to facilitate the process.

Natura's reactor facility is not only completed but has also moved past the detailed engineering and design (DED) phase, with procurement processes underway to set forth the deployment of the MSR-1. This innovative modular reactor design utilizes liquid fuel dissolved in a molten salt mix, enabling it to operate safely at high temperatures and atmospheric pressure. Such design characteristics significantly enhance safety while also reducing waste, with this technology capable of utilizing various fuel types, including recycled waste fuel. Moreover, it facilitates the harvesting of rare medical isotopes that are crucial for cancer treatments.

Another noteworthy aspect of Natura's SMR design is its modular construction, which leads to lower capital costs when compared to conventional light water reactors. As a result, the company's 100-MW commercial-scale reactor can be priced competitively with other clean 24/7 baseload power sources, including natural gas. Furthermore, the efficiency and design of the 100-MW reactor make it an ideal solution for addressing the critical issue of produced water desalination, particularly significant in regions such as the Permian Basin and other areas within the U.S. that are heavily engaged in oil and gas production. Natura anticipates the deployment of its inaugural 100-MW commercial SMR by 2029.

Conclusion

Natura Resources LLC has positioned itself at the forefront of the advanced nuclear industry with a strong commitment to addressing the growing energy needs of both domestic and global markets. With an established pioneering legacy of liquid-fueled, molten salt-cooled reactors, the company aims to create a sustainable future for energy, medical applications, and water resources. The recent advancements confirm Natura's significant potential to transform the nuclear energy landscape as it pushes forward with initiatives designed to meet the demands of America’s energy future.