Where else could you find this kind of energy? At the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) our power comes from our people. Hardworking Americans who oversee the safe use of nuclear technology that powers communities, revolutionizes medicine, and empowers America.

Learn More

Education

ACU gets permit to build nation’s first molten salt university research reactor

September 17, 2024, 3:00PMNuclear News
Representatives from Natura Resources, the Zachry Group, Abilene Christian University, the University of Texas–Austin, Texas A&M University, and the Georgia Institute of Technology with the construction permit at NRC headquarters. (Photo: Natura Resources)

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a construction permit yesterday to Abilene Christian University, giving ACU and its partners the go-ahead to build the Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR) facility on its Abilene, Texas, campus. The 1-MWt research reactor is the first molten salt–fueled reactor to get a construction permit from the NRC. After Kairos Power’s Hermes, it is the second non–light water reactor construction permit issued by the NRC.

To continue reading, log in or create a free account!

Related Articles

Over before it’s begun?

July 2, 2026, 7:00AMNuclear NewsJosh Freed

On top of the many celebrations planned for America’s 250th birthday, the Trump administration wants to mark a nuclear milestone as well: achieving criticality for at least three advanced...

NRC proposes security regulation changes

June 25, 2026, 2:57PMNuclear News

In 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14300, “‘Ordering the Reform of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission,” which directs the NRC to conduct a sweeping, multifaceted overhaul of...