Texas Tech University has announced it is partnering with Natura Resources and Abilene Christian University (ACU) to deploy Natura’s molten salt reactor (MSR) currently under construction at ACU. The collaboration aims to integrate MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems, addressing Texas’ critical energy and water needs.
Those close to the project say the integration of MSRs with desalination technology offers a sustainable solution to Texas’ growing water scarcity through purification of produced water generated by oil and gas production. Three key advantages are expected from the partnership:
- Energy Innovation: Small modular MSRs provide a scalable, clean energy source, helping meet the state’s increasing energy demands.
- Economic Growth: The partnership will accelerate the commercial development of MSRs and fosters business opportunities, research funding and job creation, strengthening Texas’ leadership in advanced energy and water technologies.
- Workforce Development:This project aims to create a workforce trained in chemical operations at extreme conditions, directly benefiting Texas.
Texas Tech announced Jan. 28 that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Natura Resources LLC of Abilene and Abilene Christian University (ACU) to seek business opportunities and funding for projects related to Natura’s molten salt reactor.
The collaboration, which includes the Texas Produced Water Consortium (TxPWC), located at Texas Tech, builds on the rapid progress of the Natura MSR-1 system, which has become one of the nation’s leading advanced reactor projects. Together, the partners will demonstrate the potential for Natura’s commercial reactors to address Texas’ critical water and energy needs by integrating MSR technology with water desalination and energy production systems.
“This partnership will address critical challenges we face as a state,” said Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec. “By working with Natura and Abilene Christian University, we’re securing crucial water resources and driving innovation in energy. By creating greater access to water, energy, and jobs, we will contribute to a stronger future for our communities. Texas Tech is proud to be part of this collaborative effort.”
Texas faces significant challenges in meeting its growing demand for clean energy and water. Small modular MSRs offer a promising and scalable solution and could become a valuable asset to purify produced water generated by oil and gas wells, which is then available for agricultural and other beneficial uses. The integration of MSR technology with desalination systems will provide a sustainable and efficient way to address these needs.
“Natura Resources’ MSR technology represents a significant advancement in clean energy innovation, equipping Texas with the tools to meet its energy and water needs for decades to come,” said Doug Robison, founder and president of Natura Resources. “Our partnership with Texas Tech University and Abilene Christian University exemplifies our collaborative approach to addressing critical challenges and driving technological advancements. This collaboration will pave the way for the commercial development and deployment of MSR technology in Texas and beyond.”
Texas Tech’s faculty members bring extensive expertise in chemical process engineering, separation technologies, and the high-temperature environments required for MSRs. The university has developed a strong reputation for research in extreme conditions, drawing from its experience with oil well technology. The TxPWC is leading research and development of purification of produced water and its beneficial use for Texans. Additionally, Reese Center, located west of the university’s main campus in Lubbock, provides a secure and specialized environment for conducting the research necessary to advance MSR systems.
“ACU has long standing relationships with Natura and Texas Tech, so it’s exciting when our research and technology initiatives align in this kind of unique partnership,” said Phil Schubert, ACU president. “We look forward to growing opportunities and making a real difference in Texas and around the world.”
The next steps for this partnership include the completion of the demonstration reactor and the development of systems to integrate Natura’s reactors with water desalination and energy production technologies.
A former chairman of the Permian Basin Petroleum Association, Douglass Robison (center), who is now CEO and President of Natura Resources, confers with two Natura staffers. On the left is Andrew Harmon, Natura’s VP of Operations and Business Development. On the right is Jordan Robison, Natura’s VP of Engineering and Program Management. They stand beside the viewing window to the research reactor bay in ACU’s SERC (Science and Engineering Research Center). Robison, in his (earlier) Midland-based oilfield career, was Partner, Co-founder, President, and Executive Chair of ExL Petroleum.
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