Copenhagen Atomics (CA), a leading developer of Molten Salt Reactors (MSRs) based in Denmark, has successfully delivered a large batch of highly purified salt to Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy experimental Testing Laboratory (NEXT Lab), as part of a collaboration that has run for over five years. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing the Natura Resources-funded Molten Salt Research Reactor.
In late May, CA delivered highly purified salt to NEXT Lab, and a 250-kilogram test batch was transferred into ACU’s molten salt test system, an experimental system designed to circulate over 50 gallons of melted fluoride salt. Highly purified salts are essential to avoid corrosion when operating at extremely high temperatures.
ACU is part of the Natura Resources Research Alliance, along with the Georgia Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, and the University of Texas at Austin, which is working to license and deploy the Natura MSR-1, a 1-megawatt thermal Molten Salt Reactor.
Copenhagen Atomics has collaborated with ACU for over five years on technology development, sharing expertise and advancing MSR technology. CA’s proprietary methods for producing highly purified salts are a crucial component of this collaboration, ensuring that the materials meet the rigorous experimental and operational success standards.
Mads Steenberg, CEO of Copenhagen Atomics said:
“We are thrilled to see the successful culmination of our collaboration with ACU. This partnership has been a testament to the incredible synergy between our teams and our shared commitment and vision to bring the molten salt reactor to market.”
Dr. Rusty Towell, professor of physics and director of NEXT Lab, praised the collaboration:
“Working with CA has been an inspiring journey. We are building a new industry, and collaboration inside the ecosystem is vital to accelerating product development.”
Copenhagen Atomics
Copenhagen Atomics has been developing its molten salt reactor technology for nearly a decade and has matured it to the point where it is ready to conduct a critical experiment in Switzerland in 2026-27. CA’s molten salt reactors use lithium, thorium, and low-enriched uranium fluoride salt as the reactor fuel and can be mass-manufactured in the size area of a 40-ft shipping container. The long-term goal is to make commercial thorium molten salt breeder reactors with an LCOE electricity price of $20 / MWh. The commitment to developing the supply chain for MSR technology is a cornerstone of their product-first approach, allowing them to produce ton-scale highly purified molten salt.
For more information, please visit: Copenhagen Atomics
NEXT Lab
The mission of ACU’s NEXT Lab, powered by Natura Resources, is to address global challenges in energy, water, and medical isotopes by advancing Molten Salt Reactor technology while educating future leaders in nuclear science and engineering. Students at NEXT Lab work alongside faculty to seek innovative solutions to complex problems, gaining real-world experience and witnessing the impact of innovation and collaboration.
For more information, please visit: NEXT Lab
Natura Resources
Natura Resources LLC, a leading advanced reactor developer, supports this mission by funding projects like the Natura MSR-1. Natura’s reactors are designed to meet the increasing demand for reliable energy, medical isotopes, and clean water with high efficiency and reduced waste. The Natura MSR-1, Natura’s first reactor design, is notable for being the first liquid salt-fueled molten salt reactor reviewed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
For more information, please visit: Natura Resources