Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab (NEXT Lab) and its partner Natura Resources reached another milestone in the development of the Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR) with the delivery of salt Friday from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The liquid-fueled reactor approved for construction at ACU by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission – a Natura Resources MSR-1 – will be the nation’s first university research reactor in more than 30 years, and it is advancing under DOE authorization through the Reactor Pilot Program. FLiBe salt, containing 99.99% enriched lithium-7 to minimize tritium generation, is mixed with the uranium fluoride to form the fuel salt because of its high heat capacity and stable chemistry. More than two tons of salt were delivered Friday to ACU’s Dillard Science and Engineering Research Center.
The salt came from the DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory via the Idaho National Laboratory which further connects the nation’s historic Molten Salt Reactor Experiment (MSRE) with NEXT Lab’s research efforts and Natura’s commitment to bring the technology into commercial deployment.
“Receiving this salt from the DOE is a handoff between generations of American innovation,” said Jordan Robison, CEO of Natura Resources. “The MSRE showed what molten salt technology could achieve. We’re carrying that legacy forward and turning it into a commercial reality that will deliver reliable energy, clean water and medical isotopes to the world.”
The salt is one of the most specialized inputs required for the reactor’s operation, reducing supply-chain risk and enabling successful deployment of the reactor. Natura will leverage the MSR-1 to generate data for its commercial reactors while ACU’s NEXT Lab will use it to provide educational and research opportunities for students and faculty. Natura Resources was selected to receive the salt through a competitive DOE solicitation facilitated by Idaho National Laboratory in August 2025.
The U.S. operated its Molten Salt Reactor Experiment from 1965-69, logging more than 13,000 hours demonstrating passive safety, high-temperature performance, and fuel flexibility. Salt was used to cool the MSRE, and its success provided a foundation and inspiration for NEXT Lab’s research and technology.
“The delivery of this salt from Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the next step in a project that was launched back in 2019,” said Dr. Rusty Towell, director of NEXT Lab. “With this milestone, Natura Resources and ACU will continue to develop advanced molten salt reactor technology to bless the world with clean energy, pure water and lifesaving medical isotopes.”
Natura’s small modular reactors are designed to deliver safe, affordable and reliable baseload power using liquid fuel and low-pressure operating conditions. The reactors are inherently safe, highly efficient, and built to serve industrial sites and communities, and to support critical infrastructure.
About NEXT Lab
The mission of ACU’s NEXT Lab is to provide global solutions to the world’s need for energy, water and medical isotopes by advancing the technology of Molten Salt Reactors while educating future leaders in nuclear science and engineering. NEXT Lab, sponsored by Natura Resources, is building the Molten Salt Research Reactor to demonstrate the technology and collect data to support Natura’s commercial goals. Students work alongside faculty seeking creative solutions to complex problems, gaining real-world experience and seeing firsthand how innovation and collaboration can impact the world. NEXT Lab employs about 50 people, including 30 undergraduate students.
About Natura Resources
Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced small modular reactor developer committed to answering increasing domestic and global demands for reliable energy, medical isotopes, and clean water. Natura’s reactors are liquid-fueled and molten salt-cooled, which enhances safety and reduces waste. With the first construction permit for a liquid-fueled reactor from the NRC, Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to support America’s energy future. The company is privately owned and has secured more than $120 million in private funding and a commitment of $120 million from the State of Texas. For more information, visit naturaresources.com.