Terrestrial Energy and Texas A&M Strengthen Partnership to Advance IMSR Nuclear Projects
Terrestrial Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: IMSR), a leading developer of advanced small modular nuclear power plants, has signed a series of important agreements with The Texas A&M University System (A&M System) that will support the development and deployment of its Generation IV Integral Molten Salt Reactor (IMSR) technology. The agreements include a ground lease and multiple research and development arrangements that provide Terrestrial Energy with exclusive access to approximately 77 acres of land at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus in Bryan, Texas.
The newly signed agreements represent a major step forward in the partnership between the two organizations and are designed to accelerate several strategic initiatives. These include the planned construction of a commercial IMSR Plant at the RELLIS campus, advanced reactor testing programs, and collaborative research projects aimed at advancing next-generation nuclear energy technologies.
The partnership builds upon a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announced in 2025, after Terrestrial Energy was selected to participate in the A&M System’s Energy Proving Ground initiative. The initiative was established to attract and demonstrate advanced nuclear technologies at the RELLIS campus, helping position Texas as a national leader in clean and reliable energy generation.
The Energy Proving Ground aligns closely with Texas state policy objectives promoted by Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature. These efforts focus on accelerating the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies throughout the state while supporting the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid. As one of the fastest-growing electricity markets in the United States, Texas continues to experience rising demand driven by expanding data centers, advanced manufacturing facilities, industrial operations, and other energy-intensive sectors.
Under the agreements, Terrestrial Energy receives site control and exclusive access rights to a 77-acre parcel located within the RELLIS Energy Proving Ground. This access allows the company to move forward with critical project development activities while engaging engineering firms, supply chain partners, and other stakeholders needed to support future construction and operation of the IMSR facility.
A key component of the project involves completing extensive site characterization and environmental studies. These activities, which began in 2025, are essential for gathering the detailed information required to support future applications to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The data collected will contribute to permit applications for constructing the IMSR Plant as well as additional supporting buildings and infrastructure at the site. Any future nuclear-related activities remain subject to further approvals from The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents.
Beyond the commercial reactor project, the agreements also support the development of facilities dedicated to IMSR testing activities. These facilities will contribute to Terrestrial Energy’s broader research efforts and support ongoing projects funded through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), including the TETRA and TEFLA programs. These initiatives are focused on advancing reactor technologies, improving performance, and demonstrating the practical applications of advanced nuclear systems.
To formalize collaboration in these areas, Terrestrial Energy and the A&M System signed a Master Research Agreement during the first quarter of 2026. The agreement establishes a framework for joint research activities and technology development efforts between the company and university researchers. Many of the planned testing and development activities will be conducted in close coordination with Texas A&M experts and affiliated institutions.
In preparation for these initiatives, Terrestrial Energy has established an engineering and project management office at the RELLIS campus. Personnel based at the facility will oversee project planning, engineering activities, regulatory engagement, and stakeholder coordination. The company has also become a member of the Greater Brazos Partnership and has actively participated in workforce development programs and industry initiatives designed to support the growth of Texas’s emerging advanced nuclear sector.
Simon Irish, Chief Executive Officer of Terrestrial Energy, described the agreements as a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy and its collaboration with Texas A&M.
According to Irish, the agreements transform the vision outlined in the 2025 MOU into concrete action and provide the foundation necessary for multiple projects to move forward simultaneously. He emphasized that the partnership strengthens the company’s relationship with one of the nation’s premier nuclear engineering institutions while accelerating progress toward commercial deployment of IMSR technology.
Leaders within The Texas A&M University System also highlighted the broader significance of the collaboration.
Robert L. Albritton, Chairman of the Board of Regents, stated that the RELLIS campus was specifically created to support projects that bring together researchers, industry leaders, and government partners to transform innovative technologies into commercial realities. He noted that advanced nuclear energy will play a critical role in enhancing America’s energy security, economic competitiveness, and long-term energy independence.
Glenn Hegar, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, emphasized the institution’s mission of applying research to solve real-world challenges. He pointed to growing energy demand as one of the defining issues facing Texas, the United States, and the global economy. Hegar noted that the work underway at RELLIS demonstrates how universities, government agencies, researchers, and private industry can collaborate to develop practical solutions that strengthen power grids, support economic growth, and improve quality of life.
Local officials also welcomed the investment and highlighted its potential impact on the region.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez described the development of modern energy solutions as one of the most important challenges of the current era. He said Terrestrial Energy’s investment further strengthens Bryan’s position as a center for innovation and advanced energy development, while creating opportunities for economic growth and technological leadership.
The agreements come as Terrestrial Energy continues to expand its commercial opportunities across multiple sectors. In May 2026, the company announced a separate memorandum of understanding with Riot Platforms aimed at developing large-scale data center projects powered by IMSR Plants. The initiative envisions up to 4 gigawatts of generating capacity and seeks to combine nuclear energy with rapidly growing data center infrastructure. The proposed model would allow natural gas to serve as a bridge fuel during early commercial operations while enhancing overall energy reliability.
Terrestrial Energy has also achieved important regulatory milestones. In April 2026, the NRC issued a favorable safety evaluation regarding the company’s methodology for assessing IMSR postulated initiating events. This followed an earlier NRC safety evaluation in late 2025 related to the reactor’s principal design criteria. Together, these reviews represent significant progress toward obtaining the regulatory approvals required for future licensed operation of IMSR nuclear power plants.
With strong institutional support, growing industry partnerships, and continued regulatory advancement, Terrestrial Energy’s collaboration with Texas A&M is expected to play a central role in bringing next-generation nuclear energy technology from research and development into commercial deployment.
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