The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced a plan to provide high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) to Abilene Christian University and its partner, Natura Resources, for their cutting-edge nuclear research. This crucial fuel allocation will support the university’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab in the development of a next-generation molten salt reactor.
ACU’s research reactor will be the first deployment of the Natura MSR-1 – a 1-megawatt thermal molten salt reactor system. Access to HALEU is essential for advancing the design and testing phases of this pioneering project.
Because HALEU is not yet commercially available from domestic suppliers, the DOE established a process for nuclear developers to request the material. ACU is one of just three new entities selected to receive an allocation, following an initial round of awards to five companies earlier this year. The DOE is expected to finalize the contracting process and potentially deliver HALEU to recipients later this year.
This announcement follows another significant milestone as the DOE recently named Natura Resources as one of only 11 projects nationwide to participate in the new Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program. This federal initiative is designed to fast-track the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors by 2026.
These recent federal announcements propel ACU’s NEXT Lab into the national spotlight, solidifying the university’s position as a key contributor to U.S. nuclear energy innovation. The ACU research reactor project is the only university-led reactor project in the country with a construction permit from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It also marks the first time a liquid salt-fueled reactor has been licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
“ACU is grateful to the Department of Energy and Secretary Wright for their leadership in advancing America’s nuclear energy future, and we deeply appreciate Congressman Jodey Arrington, Senator John Cornyn and Senator Ted Cruz for their continued support of our groundbreaking nuclear research,” said ACU president Dr. Phil Schubert. “This access to fuel enables ACU and our partners at Natura Resources to take the critical next steps in designing and testing advanced nuclear technology – paving the way for safe, clean and reliable energy while creating extraordinary opportunities for our students and faculty to contribute to innovative research with global impact and strengthening our nation’s energy security.”
The project has also received significant support at the state level, as the 89th Texas legislature’s recently approved budget directed $120 million to benefit the NEXT Lab and Natura partnership, in conjunction with Texas Tech University and the Texas Produced Water Consortium.
— Wendy Kilmer
Aug. 28, 2025
