NRC issues first construction permit for a liquid-fueled advanced reactor to Natura Resources

Natura Resources/MSR-1

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued a construction permit for Natura Resources' MSR-1 at Abilene Christian University on September 16, 2024, marking the first construction permit for a liquid-fueled advanced reactor. The design uses dissolved uranium in molten fluoride salt, eliminating traditional fuel assemblies.

• First-ever construction permit for a liquid-fueled reactor design.
• MSR-1 is 1 MWt and operates at 585°C for electricity and industrial heat.
• Natura worked with the NRC to establish regulatory precedent for molten salt reactors.