TEXAS A&M PARTNERING WITH FOUR COMPANIES TO BUILD NUCLEAR REACTORS AT RELLIS
The Texas A&M University System is providing land at the RELLIS campus to four nuclear reactor companies to develop small modular reactors (SMRs).
The university announced today (Tuesday) that Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy and Aalo Atomics will work with the A&M system to bring reactors to RELLIS as part of a project called “The Energy Proving Ground.” The companies, according to a university press release, will work toward bringing commercial-ready technologies to the A&M System land and testing new prototypes.
Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp said in a press conference that the university will be the first one in the United States to serve as a test bed for SMRs, demonstrating their capability as “the power of the future.”
Texas A&M said it has streamlined the regulatory process to allow the four companies to quickly get their reactors online. The proposed site could accommodate multiple SMRs, with a combined electrical output of more than a gigawatt, which is enough to power 750,000 homes.
Joe Elabd, Vice Chancellor for Research at Texas A&M, said these agreements “are going to change the energy landscape for the whole country.”
The goal is to build the first reactors within five years, with power generated from the site potentially supplying energy to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT).
There’s nothing wrong with having an opinion one way or the other, but having an uninformed opinion can lead to great misunderstanding. Here’s a good explanation of SMRs, their safety features, how they’re built, operated, and maintained. It’s a very short read, but it may, for the open-minded, bring clarity and understanding about what is certainly a controversial subject.
https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-are-small-modular-reactors-smrs
A building & testing site for small NUCLEAR REACTOR “prototypes” (aka “still-working-the-bugs-out”)???!!! WHAT??? Forty miles North of here? Less as the crow flies/wind blows??? Are you freaking KIDDING me???
Do people understand that there is still NO answer to the nuclear waste disposal problem?? Oh- except that it goes somewhere OTHER than where it was created….. say a rural area not too far where people won’t “mind”. A la Austin (Stop The Slop) and the offloading of their filthy crap compost waste into our Yegua.
Not to mention the inevitable widespread permanent contamination should there be an “issue” with even one of these -just say it- EXPERIMENTAL NUCLEAR REACTORS!! I can’t even believe what I’m reading!!!!
NO!!!!! Does NO ONE see a problem here??? No oversight? No consent from areas potentially affected?
Thanks A&M – always been a fan but this is BAD!!
I don’t think this makes much sense, as typically something like this would be built in a very sparsely populated area like the middle of a desert. I am really surprised people are so nonchalant about this. But, you already know the “why” here. When something happens that doesn’t make good sense the reason always boils down to money. Someone’s pockets are getting lined here.
How do we find out more regarding this particular $$$ point, KWHI??
Also would appreciate KWHI getting our state & national representatives from the area on record regarding!
This is a terrible spot for this facility. I suspect someone thinks will be a great idea for power/water intensive AI centers which they will also be trying to attract. Then, kiss what’s left of our rural, wild Texas goodbye. Tragic. After all our water is gone, they’ll move on happily with their wad of cash. Less than nothing to them.
When comparing nuclear energy to other sources, several factors come into play:
Accident Rates & Fatalities:
Statistically, nuclear power has one of the lowest rates of fatalities per unit of energy produced. Major nuclear accidents (like Chernobyl and Fukushima) are very rare, and modern reactors are designed with multiple safety layers to minimize risks. In contrast, fossil fuel extraction and combustion (especially coal and oil) are linked to more frequent accidents, respiratory illnesses, and long-term environmental impacts that contribute to higher mortality rates.
Environmental Impact:
Nuclear power produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it environmentally cleaner than fossil fuels. Renewables like wind and solar also have low emissions and are generally safe, but their production and disposal processes can have localized environmental impacts.
Risk Management:
While nuclear accidents can have high-impact consequences, the probability of such events is extremely low with today’s technology and regulatory oversight. Fossil fuels, on the other hand, cause ongoing health and environmental risks—from air pollution to climate change—that accumulate over time.
Overall, when considering both the frequency and the long-term consequences of accidents, modern nuclear energy is among the safest options available, especially when compared to fossil fuel sources. Renewables are also very safe, but each energy source has its unique set of challenges and benefits.
Well Brett very good explanation of as the alternative energy. People like to flip on a switch and they expect the lights to come on don’t care what it took to make it happen. Nuclear has been around for a long time. Powers many of the Navy ships too. I think it was once said the only thing we have to fear is fear. The sky not falling chicken littles! Gigem😀
Y’all do realize that we live in a world where we are exposed to nuclear technology and numerous things that can harm us daily if not utilized properly, right? Heat, fossil fuels, combustibles, electricity, and other energy resources rule our world currently. And we have a significant need to reach beyond our current energy-providing fuels and further future generations’ knowledge as to how to utilize other energy sources. I wholeheartedly agree with what Brett has said above and applaud him for doing so. Thank you for your educated and informative comment sir.
I could not have said it better
A&M has lost their collective minds! Unthinkable act for our community, much less our state. Please do not bring experimental nuclear energy here!
That’s what they said about electricity 150 years ago.
Agree, can’t even believe this is expectable. Abbot needs a phone call. Everyone needs to call Lois and Abbot. Get this stopped.