TEXAS A&M BRINGING NUCLEAR POWER TO RELLIS CAMPUS

  

Leaders at the Texas A&M University System announced plans on Wednesday to bring the latest nuclear reactors to the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus.

Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp said the University System seeks to provide a platform for companies to test the latest reactors and technologies. It also will address the pressing need for increased power supply.

Governor Greg Abbott called Texas A&M’s announcement to bring advanced nuclear technologies to its RELLIS campus essential for the state of Texas to expand its nuclear power capabilities that will help bolster the electric grid.  

According to Sharp, the next generation of nuclear reactors, with a potential power capacity ranging from 10 megawatts to 1 gigawatt, have the potential to revolutionize power generation and meet the vast energy requirements of Texas.

To kickstart the latest nuclear initiative, the Texas A&M System will be seeking information, and later proposals from manufacturers of nuclear reactors.

Ultimately, the site could host multiple electrical power-generating facilities, and it could host first-of-a-kind reactors with a net increase of up to 1 gigawatt of capacity that will have a direct connection to the grid operated by ERCOT.

Sharp said the Texas A&M System is committed to developing power generation capabilities to ensure reliable electrical power provision to the RELLIS campus.

Representatives from the System and from the companies hope to have operational reactors up and running within the next five to seven years.