Project Secures Land, Fuel, And DOE Pathway For Pilot Reactor
Bryan-College Station, Texas — Last Energy and the Texas A&M University System today announced plans for a microreactor pilot project at Texas A&M-RELLIS, an applied research and advanced technology campus.
The project will feature Last Energy’s PWR-5, a microreactor design physically identical to the company’s commercial product, the PWR-20, scaled to 5 MW of electrical output. The PWR-5 will demonstrate low-power criticality and the ability to generate electricity for commercial output.
"We’re partnering with Texas A&M to usher in the next Atomic Era,” said Bret Kugelmass, Founder and CEO of Last Energy. “With fuel in hand, an optimal site at RELLIS, and DOE authorization underway, we have the ideal conditions to demonstrate a standardized, scalable microreactor product in the United States.”
Last Energy has secured a lease agreement at Texas A&M-RELLIS, procured a full-core load of fuel, signed an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with the DOE, and begun formal licensing submissions. The initiative will complement Texas A&M’s leadership in creating the environment to rapidly scale nuclear power innovation.
“This is exactly the kind of project we had in mind when we built Texas A&M-RELLIS. It’s bold, it’s forward-looking, and it brings together private innovation and public research to solve today’s energy challenges,” said Glenn Hegar, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “We’re proud to work with Last Energy to help shape the future of nuclear power, and we are even prouder that it’s happening right here at Texas A&M-RELLIS.”
In August 2025, Last Energy was selected to participate in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) new Reactor Pilot Program. Last Energy’s project will be authorized by DOE under President Trump’s Executive Order 14301, “Reforming Nuclear Reactor Testing at the Department of Energy.”
Robert Albritton, chairman of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System, said: “This pilot project is an example of what’s possible when we try to meet the needs of the state and tap into the latest technologies. This is a proud moment for the Texas A&M System and a meaningful step forward to unleash American energy innovation.”
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez said: “The City of Bryan, in partnership with Texas A&M’s RELLIS Campus, is emerging as a vital hub for 21st-century innovation. From clean energy and advanced manufacturing to aerospace, hypersonics, and semiconductor development, Bryan is where groundbreaking research meets real-world application.
“Today’s announcement by Last Energy is a powerful example of that promise—bringing next-generation nuclear innovation to life right here in our community, in partnership with one of the most forward-looking university systems in the nation.”
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Last Energy
- Last Energy is a pioneering U.S. technology company focused on fleet-wide deployment and operation of next-generation nuclear assets. With projects actively underway in the United States and Europe, Last Energy is revolutionizing nuclear power delivery through its proprietary 20 MWe microreactor, co-located in clusters to serve data centers, defense installations, and industrial facilities. By leveraging proven technology, manufacturing process innovations, and supply chain efficiencies, the company enables rapid deployment and scalability.
- In May 2025, Last Energy moved its corporate headquarters to Austin, Texas, where the company has a history of manufacturing partnerships. Texas is a national energy leader, and Last Energy is excited to contribute to its mission of being No. 1 in advanced nuclear power generation.
- Public inquiries related to the project can be directed to pwr5-inquiries@lastenergy.com.
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 $7.3 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. The System serves nearly 170,000 students and reaches millions more through service, research and outreach programs each year. With nearly $1.6 billion in annual research expenditures, the System fuels innovation, supports communities and drives Texas’ economy forward.
Contact Jacob Jimenez | media@lastenergy.com
