SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Last Energy to install pilot microreactor at Texas A&M campus

US-based developer Last Energy will deploy its first domestic microreactor at Texas A&M-RELLIS, marking a strategic step in the advanced modular reactor race.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99$/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

US company Last Energy has announced the installation of a pilot microreactor at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus, an applied research and technology facility in Bryan, Texas. The project, fully financed with private capital, will use the PWR-5 model—a 5-megawatt scaled version of its commercial PWR-20 reactor. It will first demonstrate safe low-power operations before entering a later phase aimed at grid electricity generation.

Backed by Washington and ready for deployment

The reactor is part of the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Reactor Pilot Program, which aims to accelerate testing and authorisation of advanced reactor technologies outside the national laboratory system. The agreement signed between Last Energy and the DOE falls under the Other Transaction Agreement framework, designed to support non-traditional technology partnerships. The developer has already secured a full core load of nuclear fuel and initiated regulatory licensing procedures.

This microreactor will be the company’s first installation in the United States. Last Energy, which relocated its headquarters to Austin in May, has obtained a lease at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus and plans to use the site as a showcase for its standardised modular model. The PWR-20 system, from which the pilot reactor is derived, is designed for assembly in under 24 months at private industrial sites.

University ecosystem focused on SMRs

The Texas A&M University System had previously signed agreements in February with four other Small Modular Reactor (SMR) developers, including Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy, and Aalo Atomics. Land has been allocated to these companies on the RELLIS campus, with a combined electrical output potential of over one gigawatt. An application for an Early Site Permit is underway with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Last Energy had earlier revealed in October a plan to build four microreactor power plants at the decommissioned Llynfi coal-fired plant site in Wales. In July, the company announced its PWR-20 model had successfully completed a Preliminary Design Review by UK nuclear safety authorities and is on track for a site licence decision by December 2027.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Technip Energies to deliver three electric marine arms for Northern Lights phase 2
South Korea commits to phased shutdown of coal-fired power plants
Baghdad seeks to preserve oil production despite sanctions targeting Lukoil
Air Liquide launches ammonia cracking unit to produce hydrogen
TGS launches 14,800 km² seismic survey in Brazil’s Pelotas Basin
Belarus launches new public investment in a third nuclear reactor
Belarus commits major public investment to add a third reactor at the Ostrovets plant and initiates studies for a second nuclear site to support national energy demand.
Framatome completes second test cycle on next-generation nuclear fuel
Framatome’s accident-tolerant fuel prototype has completed a second 24-month cycle in a commercial nuclear reactor in the United States, paving the way for a third phase of industrial testing.
UK to install three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors at Wylfa nuclear site
The Wylfa site in Wales will host three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors from 2026, marking a strategic investment in the UK’s nuclear expansion.
Flamanville 3 reaches 80% power output ahead of extended 2026 shutdown
EDF confirmed that the Flamanville EPR has reached a major milestone, while planning a nearly year-long shutdown in 2026 for extensive regulatory inspections and key component replacement.
EDF expands access to nuclear contracts in response to regulatory changes
EDF is opening access to its long-term nuclear supply contracts to companies consuming more than 7 GWh per year, an adjustment driven by the gradual end of the Arenh mechanism.
South Korea extends operation of Kori 2 nuclear reactor until 2033
South Korean authorities have approved the continued operation of the Kori 2 reactor for an additional eight years, marking a key milestone in the national nuclear strategy.
Brazil launches BRL50mn microreactor project for 5 MW capacity
A public-private consortium is developing a 5 MW thermal microreactor designed to operate without refuelling for ten years, marking a strategic step in Brazil's nuclear innovation efforts.
Flamanville EPR reaches 80% output as EDF stays on schedule
EDF has announced that the Flamanville EPR reactor is now operating at 80% of its capacity. The target of reaching full output by the end of autumn remains confirmed by the utility.
Oklo secures key approval for upcoming nuclear fuel facility
The accelerated approval of the Aurora facility’s nuclear safety plan marks a strategic milestone in rebuilding a domestic nuclear fuel production line in the United States.
Industrikraft takes 20% stake in Videberg Kraft to support Ringhals nuclear project
The Industrikraft consortium will invest SEK400mn ($42.2mn) to become a shareholder in Videberg Kraft, marking a new phase in Sweden’s nuclear project led by Vattenfall on the Värö Peninsula.
Westinghouse secures $114mn contract to supply fuel to Paks nuclear plant
MVM Group has signed an agreement with Westinghouse to secure VVER-440 fuel supplies from 2028, reducing its reliance on Russia and strengthening nuclear cooperation between Budapest and Washington.
TVEL resumes nuclear cooperation with Vietnam through new fuel delivery
The delivery of nuclear fuel by Russian subsidiary TVEL to the Da Lat research reactor marks a key step in strengthening the nuclear commercial partnership between Moscow and Hanoi.
X-energy signs $40mn agreement with Toyo Tanso for initial Xe-100 reactors
US supplier X-energy has formalised a graphite supply contract with Japan's Toyo Tanso for the construction of its first four small modular reactors, in partnership with Dow and backed by the US Department of Energy.
Enveniam appointed lead integrator for LIST Technologies’ laser uranium enrichment project
US-based Enveniam has signed an agreement with LIS Technologies Inc. to oversee the design and construction of a new laser-based uranium enrichment facility on American soil.
Newcleo considers shifting €16bn nuclear projects from the UK to the United States
Faced with shorter approval timelines, several European nuclear firms, including Newcleo, Orano and Urenco, are considering relocating key industrial investments to the United States.
Swedish industrial players inject €36.4mn into Vattenfall’s future nuclear reactors
A consortium led by Swedish giants such as ABB, SSAB and Volvo will invest SEK400mn to support the development of small modular nuclear reactors through a strategic partnership with Vattenfall.
India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects
Russia and India are preparing an expanded agreement for the construction of VVER-1200 reactors and modular nuclear power plants, while accelerating work at the strategic Kudankulam site.
Fusion Fuel Cycles joint venture begins construction of UNITY-2 test facility
Fusion Fuel Cycles has begun work on its UNITY-2 facility, a unique test bench designed to validate the full tritium fuel cycle under fusion conditions, marking a key step toward fusion energy.
Framatome launches pilot line for TRISO nuclear fuel in France
Framatome will produce TRISO fuel at Romans-sur-Isère as part of a pilot project for advanced nuclear reactors, in partnership with actors such as Blue Capsule Technology.
Sweden lifts uranium mining ban starting January 2026
Sweden’s parliament has approved a major reform authorising uranium extraction, opening the door to a reassessment of the economic potential of mining projects containing this strategic mineral.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99$/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.