RELLIS Nuclear Reactor Project

The Texas A&M University System (A&M System) is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit proposals from qualified entities for the development of a nuclear energy proving ground on the Texas A&M RELLIS campus. The A&M System is seeking respondents capable of performing all aspects of a reactor demonstration project, including assessing site feasibility, obtaining necessary licenses, integrating with the ERCOT grid, as well as designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and potentially decommissioning new nuclear reactors as dispatchable electric generating facilities. The goal is to establish a portfolio of nuclear power plant technologies, such as Generation III+, Generation IV, and fusion reactors, ranging from 1 MW to several hundred MW, with a target of providing over 100 MW by 2029-2035 and scaling to 1 GW by 2035-2040. Respondents must fully fund the commercial development of the nuclear facilities without any funds from the A&M System, which may include a combination of grants, loans, private equity, and federal/state incentives. The A&M System may offer land lease agreements and collaborate on site regulatory approvals, shared infrastructure, and workforce development. Respondents must demonstrate their qualifications, financing plan, project timeline, and strategy for the design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of the proposed nuclear facilities.

The RFP does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The A&M System is not providing any funding for the development of the facilities, and there is no incumbent vendor or current contractor. The A&M System is seeking to enter into various agreements, such as ground leases or other mutually agreed upon arrangements, with one or more qualified respondents to develop the nuclear energy proving ground on the RELLIS campus.