Kevin O’Connor Kommentary May 9

Four Nuclear Reactor Companies Coming to RELLIS

Four nuclear reactor companies are coming to the RELLIS campus to build small modular reactors, also known as SMRs. Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp says this project will show the rest of the world the safety and common sense of using nuclear power. “We will be the only university in the United States with a commercial scale SMR. We will be the only place in the U.S. with multiple SMRs. We will prove that they are safe, we’ll prove that they’re reliable, and make sure we don’t run out of energy,” said Sharp. State Representative Greg Bonnen says innovative technologies of the future require a lot of energy. “It’s a real question as how we’re going to meet that need and small modular nuclear reactors is clearly going to be a critical element in that and in other types of industries of the future,” said Bonnen. Reed Clay of the Texas Nuclear Alliance says this is just the first step. “What it will mean for the state of Texas and the country is enormous. Jobs, investment, energy security, all those things are starting right here,” said Clay. Chief executive officers from four nuclear companies – Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy and Aalo Atomics – all have agreed to work with the System to bring reactors to the RELLIS campus. Simon Irish, CEO of Terrestrial Energy, says this initiative represents the formation of a powerful hub. “To drive nuclear innovation, not just in Texas, not just in the United States, but throughout the world. It is more than that. This partnership means that we are jumpstarting the future of nuclear energy,” said Irish. According to the system news release, officials have streamlined the regulatory process to allow the four companies to quickly get their reactors operational. The first reactors could be constructed within five years. Click below to hear the Texas A&M University System announcement. Listen to “Four Nuclear Reactor Companies Coming to RELLIS” on Spreaker. News release for the Texas A&M University System: The Texas A&M University System has provided the missing element needed to bring more nuclear power to the state’s electric grid. Chancellor John Sharp announced Tuesday he has offered land near the Texas A&M University campus to four nuclear reactor companies so they can build the latest small modular reactors, or SMRs. Until now, reactor manufacturers – along with the most powerful names in Big Tech – have not been able to find a suitable place to build clusters of nuclear reactors that can supply the power needed for artificial intelligence endeavors, data centers and other projects. “Plain and simple: the United States needs more power,” Sharp said. “And nowhere in the country, other than Texas, is anyone willing to step up and build the power plants we need. Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Greg Abbott and others in Texas state government, Texas A&M System stands ready to step up and do what is necessary for the country to thrive.” Chief executive officers from four nuclear companies – Kairos Power, Natura Resources, Terrestrial Energy and Aalo Atomics – all have agreed to work with the System to bring reactors to Texas A&M-RELLIS, a 2,400-acre technology and innovation campus in Bryan, Texas, as part of a project dubbed “The Energy Proving Ground.” At the site, the companies will work toward bringing commercial-ready technologies to the System land and using the project to test the latest prototypes. The first reactors could be constructed within five years. Once it is completed, power generated at the proving ground could supply power to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, as it is more commonly called. Mike Laufer, co-founder and CEO of Kairos Power, said his company could bring one or more commercial deployments to the site. He added that the surging demand for clean electricity has brought nuclear energy to the forefront of the national discussion as a vital source of reliable, carbon-free energy. “We are excited about the momentum for new nuclear deployment at Texas A&M-RELLIS and its potential to support U.S. energy security and continued economic growth. We look forward to collaborating with the Texas A&M System to advance Kairos Power’s clean energy mission and play a new role in developing the nation’s future nuclear workforce.” Douglass Robison, the founder and CEO of Natura Resources, said that the Texas A&M System has been an integral partner over the past five years, collaborating with the company to develop the Natura MSR-1 demonstration system. “We are thrilled to continue this partnership with the Texas A&M System to deploy our commercial system, the Natura MSR-100, on the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus,” Robison said. “We plan to showcase how our technology can address the energy needs of Texas and the nation.” Simon Irish, CEO of Terrestrial Energy, said his hope for the partnership is to develop Integral Molten Salt Reactor, or IMSR, technology at the site in Bryan. “Our partnership with Texas A&M at its RELLIS campus is an important strategic relationship, which showcases the commercial potential of our small modular power plant and its advanced nuclear technology,” Irish said. “Siting an IMSR plant at the RELLIS campus leverages Texas A&M’s world-class research and nuclear engineering capabilities; provides a source of clean, firm electricity for the local grid (ERCOT); and positions Texas as a leader in America’s nuclear technology sector.” Matt Loszak, co-founder and CEO, Aalo Atomics, said his company could build up to six Aalo Pods at the site. “We are excited to partner with an innovation leader like the Texas A&M System, and to jointly help shape the future of energy while creating opportunities for research, education, and the Texas economy,” Loszak said. “This collaboration is a pivotal step for Aalo as it provides us with a platform to demonstrate the potential of our factory mass-manufactured nuclear technology to deliver reliable, clean energy that will ultimately power the next generation of data centers and AI infrastructure.” Texas A&M System officials have streamlined the regulatory process to […]

Bryan Man Arrested for Assault and DWI with Prior Convictions

A Bryan man is in jail for the 17th time in 21 years after assaulting his wife, then causing a car accident while driving under the influence. According to the first Bryan police arrest report, an officer responded to an apartment complex on Monday evening for a disturbance. The victim stated she and her husband had verbally argued earlier in the day, but separated without incident. Later that day, her husband returned to the residence and attacked her, striking her multiple times with a closed fist. The victim was able to fend her husband off, prompting him to exit the apartment and speed away. Ten minutes later, two other BPD officers responded to a two-vehicle accident on E Villa Maria near Shipwreck Grill. A witness provided dash camera video and officers saw 40 year-old Jonathan Dewayne Moore fail to yield right of way, turning left onto Cavitt Avenue. The second vehicle, traveling westbound on Villa Maria, struck Moore’s vehicle. After failing field sobriety tests, Moore was arrested for DWI with three or more prior convictions and later charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member with previous convictions.

Free Tax Preparation and Filing Service Offered to Brazos Valley Residents

Brazos Valley residents can utilize a free tax preparation and e-filing service this tax season. Jim Rollins, Site Coordinator for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, said the service is for all Brazos Valley residents, but there are two target demographics. “Taxpayers who are 50 years-old or older and taxpayers who have low to moderate income,” said Rollins. Rollins said Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to make sure you receive all the tax credits and deductions you’re eligible for. “Make sure you have all of your tax documents. All these companies and federal agencies are supposed to have them out to you by January 31st, but some of them come a few days later,” said Rollings. There are three service sites in the Brazos Valley: The Clara Mounce Library in Bryan The Larry Ringer Library in College Station St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Brenham Tax-Aide has various operating hours for appointments through April 14th. Click here for more information and to make your appointment. Listen to “Free Tax Preparation and E-Filing Service in the Brazos Valley” on Spreaker.