DOE sends 4,700 pounds of historic reactor salt to Natura’s Texas MSR-1 project, giving the molten-salt program a rare stockpile of legacy material to work with
The United States’ DOE has played an integral role in the initiatives that have materialized in 2026, and it is expected to play an even bigger role as the nation works toward reaching its set objectives. Since the beginning of the clean energy transition, the DOE has made it easier for companies to pursue and execute projects by relaxing the typical hurdles that previously caused companies to have trouble completing projects quickly. The nation has been able to successfully diversify its clean energy portfolio in all the states, ensuring that there is a consistent energy supply everywhere. On that note, DOE sent 4,700 pounds of historic reactor salt to Natura’s Texas MSR-1 project, giving the molten-salt program a rare stockpile of legacy material to work with.
An overview of how the DOE has improved Texas’ nuclear energy portfolio
Texas generates roughly 10% of its electricity from two active nuclear power plants while also aggressively seeking an advanced nuclear and small modular reactor (SMR) renaissance. Its operating Units 1 and 2 are located in Somervell County. The South Texas Project is located in Matagorda County near Bay City, operating two large Westinghouse pressurized water reactors that produce power for over 2 million homes. Nuclear ranks fourth behind natural gas, wind, and coal, supplying an estimated 8% to 10% of the ERCOT daily load.
DOE sends 4,700 pounds of historic reactor salt to Natura’s Texas MSR-1 project
A press release from the Department of Energy revealed that the DOE, in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Idaho National Laboratory, completed the shipment of more than 4,700 pounds of rare salt used in molten salt reactors to Natura Resources. The material will be used in the development of Natura Resources’ Molten Salt Reactor, the MSR-1, which is situated at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas.
The nuclear energy landscape is in an interesting position where developers are taking full advantage of the advancement in technology and science by experimenting with their energy initiatives in the hope of discovering futuristic energy generation strategies. The company is taking part in the Department’s Reactor Pilot Program, which was started with the aim of quickening the testing of advanced reactor designs.
Idaho National Laboratory issued a competitive solicitation in August 2025 for organizations that are interested in finding a new use for a rare salt that was initially used as a coolant in Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Molten Salt Reactor Experiment.
A deeper understanding of the molten-salt program and its significance
Because the molten salt is seen as rare, the parties involved in the projects will have to dedicate extra effort to ensuring that they discover it and use it as a coolant in future initiatives. A mixture of lithium fluoride and beryllium fluoride called FLiBE is the material that can be heated into a liquid to transfer heat through a reactor system.
Its properties enable molten salt reactors to operate at high temperatures and low pressures, allowing greater efficiency and passive safety features. ORNL has stored the FLiBE since the Molten Salt Reactor Experiment stopped operations in 1969.
Looking ahead: The expected progression of the nuclear energy sector
This initiative is one that could elevate the standard of what is seen as a good nuclear energy project in future generations. The freight shipment to Natura includes four remaining canisters and two smaller canisters. Jordan Robinson, chief executive officer of Natura Resources, stated the following:
“Few materials in the nuclear industry carry the history and significance of this FLiBE inventory. We are honored to build upon the foundation established by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and grateful to the Department of Energy for enabling its continued use in advancing molten salt reactor technology.”
Texas holds an estimated 8% of U.S. uranium deposits along its southern coastal plain. As a renewable energy-producing powerhouse, the United States has displayed its commitment to the reduction of carbon emissions and extending the longevity of the Earth.
Prince is a versatile writer focused on energy, automotive, environmental, and general news topics. He makes complex technical and policy issues clear, engaging, and accessible for a broad audience.
