The groundbreaking nuclear research at Abilene Christian University, sponsored by Natura Resources, received a boost this week when a Fox Business news crew visited the university’s Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center to report on the advances taking place on campus.
The news crew spent two days on the ACU campus preparing for segments that appeared on Wednesday, April 30, online and on the Mornings with Maria and Varney and Co. shows. Additionally, the coverage has been picked up by more than 20 larger regional and midsized markets across the nation, including affiliates in California, Ohio, Michigan, Florida, Indiana, Maine and New York.
The reports highlighted the ongoing work to build the Natura MSR-1, which in September 2024 became the first liquid salt fueled reactor licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in American history and the first U.S. university research reactor approved in more than 30 years.
In the reports, Douglass Robison, Natura Resources founder and president, noted that the nuclear technology used to build the molten salt research reactor on campus is safe, affordable, clean and dispatchable to places where energy is needed. “And we have a team here that is dedicated to making that happen as quickly as possible,” he said.
ACU’s molten salt research reactor (MSRR) will be the first deployment of the Natura MSR-1, a 1 megawatt thermal molten salt reactor system. This construction permit from the NRC is only the second ever for an advanced nuclear reactor – a new generation of nuclear power designed to be safer, more efficient and more cost-competitive than traditional nuclear reactors.
Natura Resources established unique partnerships to support the ACU NEXT Lab effort by engaging with Texas A&M, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech University and Georgia Institute of Technology.
“ACU is thrilled to have Natura as a partner as we work together to answer the world’s increased demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes, and clean water through the deployment of liquid-fueled molten salt reactors,” said Dr. Phil Schubert, ACU president.
NEXT Lab
The mission of ACU’s NEXT Lab, powered by Natura Resources, is to provide global solutions to the world’s need for energy, water and medical isotopes by advancing the technology of Molten Salt Reactors while educating future leaders in nuclear science and engineering. Students work alongside faculty seeking creative solutions to complex problems, gaining real-world experience and seeing firsthand how innovation and collaboration can impact the world. NEXT Lab provides extraordinary opportunities through ACU’s departments of engineering and physics, chemistry and biochemistry, and others.
Natura Resources
Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced reactor developer committed to answering the world’s increased demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes and clean water by developing commercially deployable molten salt reactors. Natura’s small modular reactors are liquid fueled and molten salt cooled, which increases efficiency and reduces waste. Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to performance. Natura’s leadership team has a proven track record of revolutionizing the energy industry with innovative technology and tangible results. Natura is privately owned and has secured over $78 million in funding through its first three investment rounds.
– Jonathan Smith
May 2, 2025
