In a step forward for innovation in the nuclear energy field, Last Energy has announced the deployment of a pilot microreactor at Texam A&M-RELLLIS, an applied research campus.
Last Energy and the Texas A&M University System have announced plans for the deployment of the micro nuclear reactor pilot project.
The pilot project will involve the deployment of Last Energy’s PWR-5 reactor. The PWR-5 is a scaled version of the larger PWR-20 design from the same company.
The five megawatt reactor will be built to initially demonstrate safe, low-power criticality and, then in later phases, the ability to generate electricity for the grid. According to a press release by Texas A&M University System, the project is fully financed with private capital and is expected to begin testing in the summer of next year.
Last Energy’s microreactor in Texas
The initiative marks the first US reactor deployment by Last Energy. The company was selected by the US Department of Energy (DOE) for fast-tracked licensing under its New Reactor Pilot Program, following an executive order by President Trump to reform and accelerate nuclear reactor development.
“This pilot project it’s an example of what’s possible when we try to meet the needs of the state and tap into the latest technologies,” Robert Albritton, chairman of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System, said. “This is a proud moment for the Texas A&M System and a meaningful step forward to unleash American energy innovation.”
“We’re partnering with Texas A&M to usher in the next Atomic Era,” said Bret Kugelmass, Founder and CEO of Last Energy. “With fuel in hand, an optimal site at RELLIS, and DOE authorization underway, we have the ideal conditions to demonstrate a standardized, scalable microreactor product to the United States.”
Last Energy has secured a land lease at Texas A&M-RELLIS, procured a full core load of low-enriched uranium fuel, signed an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with the DOE, and begun formal submissions.
The PWR-5 nuclear reactor
The PWR-5 nuclear reactor is a scaled-down version of the PWR-20 design. The PWR-20 has a 20 megawatt (electric) and 80 MW (thermal) output and aims to provide behind-the-meter solutions for industrial facilities.
It is a four-loop pressurized water reactor (PWR) that has 95 percent uptime. Moreover, the nuclear reactor has a 72-month fuel cycle; further, it can be easily refueled with modular nuclear batteries. It has closed-cycle air cooling for the tertiary loop.
The modular layout of the nuclear reactor allows for scaling the power output if required to meet growing energy demands.
The company says its design uses industry-standard equipment from nuclear and thermal power plants, and it has over 100+ global supply chain partners to ensure component availability, operational experience, and cost competitiveness.
The PWR-20 also boasts a near-universal siting with a small footprint of 0.3 acre, i.e., the plant can fit within a football field. This also means it can be located closer to the area where the Energy needs to be delivered.
The company claims it can be assembled on-site within just four months with the help of road-transportable modules. The nuclear reactor uses standard UO pellets at less than 4.95 percent enrichment.
