First Research Nuclear Reactor Approved for Texas College

For the first time in more than 40 years, federal nuclear regulators have given the approval for a nuclear reactor to be built. Yes, you read that correctly, a research nuclear reactor will be built in and it could become something historic.

Abilene Christian University will be home to the research nuclear reactor which is being built by the university's NEXT Lab along with the Abilene-based nuclear company Natura Resources. According to the Dallas Morning News the permit that Abilene Christian received is a milestone in the research and development of smaller-scale reactors in Texas.

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When complete, this will be the very first nuclear reactor built in Texas since 1993.

Future Energy Source?

The NEXT Lab reactor, according to the Dallas Morning News, could generate enough energy to power around 250 homes. But it will be a testing ground for different types of reactors that could become larger and could, in theory, power more homes and even cities.

There is still much work and construction left to do. ACU must get additional federal approval to fuel the reactor with uranium. One energy expert told the Dallas Morning News that Texans shouldn't expect mini-reactors anytime soon.

Energy expert Doug Lewin cautioned that Texans should not be prepared to see a proliferation of new nuclear generation on the grid. It is costly and time-consuming to build. “It’s really important for folks to understand that if nuclear is going to scale in the state, it’s a 2030s thing, not a 2020s thing like this is a one-megawatt reactor,” he said.

Still, ACU is looking toward the future when it comes to the use of nuclear energy to see how it can be used.