Texas A&M System Advances Future of Nuclear Energy at RELLIS
May 29, 2026
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas A&M University System today recognized a major milestone in advanced nuclear energy development as Last Energy announced U.S. Department of Energy approval of 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 now under construction at RELLIS, where the Texas A&M System is building one of the nation’s leading hubs 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 needed to power the future economy.
The project comes as Texas and the nation face rapidly growing demand for reliable electricity driven by population growth, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and data infrastructure.
“The Texas A&M University System is helping build the future of energy right here in Texas,” said Robert L. Albritton, chairman of the Board of Regents. “RELLIS was created to bring big ideas out of the laboratory and into the real world. Projects like this help ensure our state and our country remain leaders in energy, technology and economic growth.”
Last Energy’s PWR-5 project is one of several advanced energy initiatives underway at RELLIS, which has emerged as a nationally recognized site for testing and demonstrating next-generation energy systems. With construction of its facility expected to be completed this week, the PWR-5 project is among the most advanced energy projects underway at RELLIS.
Chancellor Glenn Hegar said the work under way 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. What is happening at RELLIS today will help shape the future of energy in Texas and across America.”
Last Energy announced that the Department of Energy approved the project’s Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis, which 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 underway at the Texas A&M-RELLIS Campus near Bryan-College Station.
More information about Last Energy’s announcement is available from the company.
About The Texas A&M University System
The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education systems in the country, with an annual budget of $8.1 billion. Its statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth, and the Texas A&M–RELLIS Campus. The A&M System serves nearly 175,000 students and reaches millions more through research, service, and outreach programs each year. With nearly $1.6 billion in annual research expenditures, the A&M System fuels innovation, supports communities, and drives Texas’s economy forward.