Natura Resources revolutionizes Texas energy with small modular reactors

In response to Texas's energy and water challenges, Natura Resources relies on small modular reactors to provide reliable, sustainable solutions adapted to the growing needs of a booming economy.

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

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

Faced with the rapid increase in population and energy needs in Texas, innovative solutions are essential. The latest interim report from the Texas Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs highlights the urgency of strengthening the state’s energy resilience. Among the key initiatives, Natura Resources’ small modular reactor (SMR) technology stands out as a cornerstone for Texas’s energy future.

Natura Resources collaborates with renowned academic institutions such as Abilene Christian University, the University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Georgia Tech University to develop an advanced molten salt SMR prototype. This system is designed to produce the process heat required for energy-intensive applications such as water desalination and industrial wastewater treatment. These innovations address the dual challenges of energy security and sustainable water management.

In September 2024, Natura Resources obtained a construction permit for its reactor prototype. The demonstration of this technology is expected to be completed by 2026. SMRs offer critical advantages, including compact design and high efficiency, making them a key tool in reducing carbon emissions while stabilizing the state’s electric grid.

Water and energy challenges in Texas

The Senate report emphasizes that more than half of Texas’s electric generation capacity relies on significant water inputs, leaving the grid vulnerable during drought periods. SMRs provide a solution by offering an energy source that is water-efficient. Furthermore, their flexibility and ability to generate continuous electricity position them as a viable alternative to traditional energy sources.

Doug Robison, founder and president of Natura Resources, stated: “We are committed to providing energy solutions that not only address today’s challenges but also prepare for a sustainable future. Our SMR technology represents a major step forward in clean energy innovation.”

A sustainable energy future for Texas

Through strategic partnerships and cutting-edge technologies, Natura Resources is driving a momentum that combines innovation and environmental stewardship. The economic and ecological impact of SMRs promises to solidify Texas’s position as a leader in energy innovation in the United States.

Molten salt reactor developer Natura Resources has acquired Shepherd Power and partnered with NOV to scale up modular reactor manufacturing by the next decade.
China National Nuclear Corporation expects commercial operation in 2026 for its ACP100 reactor, following successful cold testing and completion of critical structures in 2025.
Start-up SEATOM has been selected to join NATO's DIANA programme with its micro nuclear reactor designed for extreme environments, reinforcing its position in dual-use marine and military energy technologies.
The Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs has opened a tender to select a site and conduct initial environmental studies for a 600 MW nuclear power plant, marking a decisive step for the country’s energy future.
The European Commission has approved Poland's financial support plan for its first nuclear power plant, a €42bn project backed by public funding, state guarantees, and a contract for difference mechanism.
Six European nuclear authorities have completed the second phase of a joint review of the Nuward modular reactor, a key step toward aligning regulatory frameworks for small nuclear reactors across Europe.
Driven by off-grid industrial heat demand and decarbonisation mandates, the global small modular reactor market is set to grow 24% annually through 2030, with installed capacity expected to triple within five years.
US fusion energy leaders have called on the federal government to redirect public funding towards their projects, arguing that large-scale investment is needed to stay competitive with China.
Santee Cooper has approved a memorandum of understanding with Brookfield Asset Management to assess the feasibility of restarting two unfinished nuclear reactors, with a potential $2.7 billion payment and 550 MW capacity stake.
Helical Fusion has signed a landmark agreement with Aoki Super to supply electricity from fusion, marking a first in Japan’s energy sector and a commercial step forward for the helical stellarator technology.
India’s nuclear capacity is expected to grow by more than 13,000 MW by 2032, driven by ongoing heavy water reactor construction, new regional projects and small modular reactor development by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
London launches a complete regulatory overhaul of its nuclear industry to shorten authorisation timelines, expand eligible sites, and lower construction and financing costs.
Finland's Ministry of Economic Affairs extends the deadline to June 2026 for the regulator to complete its review of the operating licence for the Olkiluoto spent nuclear fuel repository.
The conditional green light from the nuclear regulator moves Cigéo into its final regulatory stage, while shifting the risks towards financing, territorial negotiations and industrial execution.
The drone strike confirmed by the IAEA on the Chernobyl site vault exposes Ukraine to a nuclear risk under armed conflict, forcing the EBRD to finance partial restoration while industry standards must now account for drone threats.
Deep Fission is installing a 15 MWe pressurised reactor 1.6 km underground at Great Plains Industrial Park, under the Department of Energy’s accelerated pilot programme, targeting criticality by July 4, 2026.
EDF commits to supply 33 MW of nuclear electricity to Verkor over 12 years, enabling the battery manufacturer to stabilise energy costs ahead of launching its first Gigafactory.
The full-scope simulator for the Lianjiang nuclear project has successfully passed factory acceptance testing, paving the way for its installation at the construction site in China's Guangdong province.
A coalition of Danish industry groups, unions and investors launches a platform in support of modular nuclear power, aiming to develop firm low-carbon capacity to sustain industrial competitiveness.
The United Kingdom and TAE Technologies create a joint venture in Culham to produce neutral beams, a key component of fusion, with strategic backing from Google.

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

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.