US firm eyes gigawatts of nuclear power with first Gen IV reactors

Natura Resources, a US-based company, is advancing the deployment of Generation IV nuclear reactors, aiming to launch its first 1-megawatt molten salt reactor (MSR-1) by 2026. This demonstration reactor, which received a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) construction permit in September 2024, will pave the way for a commercial-scale 100-megawatt MSR-100 unit targeted for deployment between 2029 and 2032. The MSR-100 is designed to be cost-competitive with natural gas and versatile enough to support grid-scale electricity generation as well as industrial applications like produced water desalination. Natura plans to submit two commercial reactor applications to the NRC by the end of 2025 to support these goals. A significant strategic development underpinning Natura’s scaling efforts is its acquisition of Shepherd Power from NOV, coupled with a partnership agreement with NOV to leverage their manufacturing, supply chain, and project management expertise. NOV will also invest in Natura