A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to Texas Tech University to help accelerate their research partnership with Abilene Christian University and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by Natura Resources.
In January, ACU entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech, Natura and the Texas Produced Water Consortium to address Texas’ most pressing water and energy challenges. A key goal of the collaboration is to integrate MSR technology with water desalination systems, aiming to purify produced water from oil and gas operations for beneficial use.
The Natura Resources MSR-1, a liquid-fueled molten salt reactor that was licensed last year by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to be constructed on ACU’s campus as a university research reactor – the nation’s first in more than 30 years – is the first step toward commercial deployment of the technology in the Permian Basin to provide energy and beneficial use of produced water. The appropriation to Texas Tech will include a subaward to ACU for research, development, permitting, licensing and construction of the MSR-1 the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory.
“Texas Tech University is proud to partner with Abilene Christian University and Natura Resources in advancing desalination of produced water through cutting-edge molten salt reactor technology,” said Lawrence Schovanec, president of Texas Tech University. “This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability and addressing critical energy and water security challenges.”
Natura’s MSR technology will also generate life-saving medical isotopes essential for cancer treatment, diagnostic imaging and other advanced medical procedures, which will help alleviate global shortages and establish Texas as a leader in medical innovation.
“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature for their historic commitment to advanced nuclear innovation,” said Doug Robison, founder and CEO of Natura Resources. “This appropriation allows Natura and ACU to deploy the nation’s first advanced, liquid-fueled reactor in late 2026. Such milestones position Natura as the leader in the advanced reactor space and Texas as the leader in clean energy, water technology and the production of life-saving medical isotopes. Thanks to this unprecedented support, Texas is poised to shape the future of energy, water and medical science for the world.”
The ongoing partnership between Texas Tech, ACU and Natura Resources also contributes to workforce development, research and the establishment of a robust supply chain within Texas. These efforts, supported by the state’s recent investment, will help ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy, water and medical resources for Texas communities and beyond.
“Abilene Christian University is honored to partner in this historic initiative with Texas Tech University and Natura Resources,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president. “ACU, along with our partners, is positioned to become a national leader in advanced nuclear training and research, setting a global standard for clean energy and medical advancements. We are especially grateful to Sen. Perry, Rep. Lambert and Rep. Darby for their leadership and support in making this partnership possible.”
