Nuclear News reported in mid-February 2025 that Texas lawmakers are considering legislative action this session on recommendations made last November by the Texas Advanced Nuclear Reactor Working Group. Senate Bill 1105 calls for the establishment of a state-run advanced nuclear energy authority, a state permitting office, and an advanced nuclear innovation fund. Republican state Sen. Tan Parker introduced the bill.
Texas A&M looks to host 4 SMR projects
Nuclear footprint: Texas currently has two large nuclear plants—Commanche Peak and South Texas Project—comprising four reactors that supplied nearly 10 percent of the state’s power last year.
Small modular reactors are also planned in Texas. Dow Chemical and X-energy are targeting a cluster of SMRs to support Dow’s manufacturing site in Seadrift on the Gulf Coast. At Abeline Christian University, about 200 miles west of Dallas, Natura Resources plans to install a test reactor using molten-salt cooling.
Texas A&M University in College Station also runs a research reactor, and it announced plans this month to bring up to four new SMRs to campus. Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy, and Aalo Atomics are all considering building SMRs at RELLIS, a 2,400-acre technology and innovation campus near Texas A&M. The project—dubbed the Energy Proving Ground—will provide space for companies to bring commercial-ready technologies and test new prototypes.
A closer look: At Gov. Greg Abbott’s direction, the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) launched the advanced nuclear working group in 2023 and asked for recommendations and a plan by December 1, 2024, about the future of nuclear in Texas.
The group studied the technology, possible changes needed in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) market or state regulations, and opportunities for financial incentives. They released a final report in November 2024 that included seven key legislative recommendations:
- Create a nonregulatory advanced nuclear authority to coordinate strategic vision, implement policy recommendations, and manage potential funds.
- Appoint a permitting officer to serve as a single point of contact for nuclear developers and associated businesses.
- Launch a workforce development program for community colleges and universities to coordinate between workers, educators, and the industry.
- Create a Texas Advanced Manufacturing Institute to foster a nuclear ecosystem.
- Deploy a public outreach program to inform and educate Texans about nuclear.
- Build direct grant cost-sharing—a nuclear energy and supply chain fund—to incentivize early development and siting.
- Appropriate resources for a Texas Nuclear Energy Fund modeled after the existing Texas Energy Fund to overcome funding gaps for nuclear projects.
What’s next: Stay tuned to see if S.B. 1105 advances from committee for a vote before the Texas General Assembly:
S.B. 1105:
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