A recent appropriation from the Texas Legislature, signed by Gov. Greg Abbott, focuses on water desalination and directs research funding to to help accelerate their research partnership with 蘑菇传媒 and its molten salt reactor project, sponsored by .听
In January, 蘑菇传媒 entered into a memorandum of understanding with Texas Tech, Natura and the to address Texas鈥� 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.听
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 蘑菇传媒鈥檚 campus as a university research reactor 鈥� the nation鈥檚 first in more than 30 years 鈥� 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 蘑菇传媒 for research, development, permitting, licensing and construction of the MSR-1 the university鈥檚 Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory.
鈥淭exas Tech University is proud to partner with 蘑菇传媒 and Natura Resources in advancing desalination of produced water through cutting-edge molten salt reactor technology,鈥� said Lawrence Schovanec, president of Texas Tech University. 鈥淭his collaboration exemplifies our commitment to innovation, sustainability and addressing critical energy and water security challenges.鈥�
Natura鈥檚 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.
鈥淲e are deeply grateful to the Texas Legislature for their historic commitment to advanced nuclear innovation,鈥� said Doug Robison, founder and CEO of Natura Resources. 鈥淭his appropriation allows Natura and 蘑菇传媒 to deploy the nation鈥檚 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, 蘑菇传媒 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鈥檚 recent investment, will help ensure reliable, affordable and sustainable energy, water and medical resources for Texas communities and beyond.
鈥溎⒐酱� is honored to partner in this historic initiative with Texas Tech University and Natura Resources,鈥� said Dr. Phil Schubert, 蘑菇传媒 president. 鈥溎⒐酱�, 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.鈥�