BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas A&M University System today marked a major milestone in advanced nuclear energy development as Last Energy announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has approved the Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis for its PWR-5 pilot reactor project at the Texas A&M-RELLIS Campus.
The approval marks an important step toward operation of the microreactor demonstration project currently under construction at RELLIS, where the Texas A&M System is developing a hub for next-generation energy research, testing and workforce development.
Through the RELLIS Energy Proving Grounds initiative, the Texas A&M System is bringing together industry, government and researchers to accelerate the safe development of emerging energy technologies.
The project comes as Texas and the nation face growing demand for reliable electricity driven by population growth, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and expanding data infrastructure.
Last Energy’s PWR-5 project is one of several next-generation energy initiatives being developed at RELLIS, a nationally recognized site for testing and demonstrating emerging energy technologies. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed this week.
Chancellor Glenn Hegar said the work taking place at RELLIS reflects the Texas A&M System’s long-term commitment to research that serves the public and strengthens the nation’s future.
“The future will require enormous amounts of safe, reliable and affordable power,” Hegar said. “The Texas A&M System is creating a place where innovators, researchers and industry can work together to develop the technologies that will help meet those challenges.”
Last Energy said the Department of Energy’s approval of the project’s Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis establishes the preliminary safety basis for the reactor, facility and planned operations. The approval advances the company toward final DOE authorization for fuel delivery and reactor operations.
Construction of the pilot reactor is currently underway at the Texas A&M-RELLIS Campus near Bryan-College Station.
