On August 15, 2022, Abilene Christian University (ACU) submitted an application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Council (NRC) for a permit to construct a Molten Salt Research reactor (MSRR). The reactor, which will be built on the University campus in Abilene 39bet-kết quả bóng đá-kết quả xổ số miền bắc-kèo bóng đá -soi cầu bóng đá-đặt cược, Texas, as part of the Nuclear Energy Experimental Test Laboratory (NEXT), is anticipated to achieve criticality in December 2025.
The reactor is a 1000 kilowatt thermal molten salt research reactor that will support the design, development, deployment and marketing of molten salt reactors in the United States. The permit application contained a preliminary safety analysis report (PSAR) and an environmental review. Abilinki University said the move constitutes the first time in more than 30 years that a new type of research reactor has been applied for in the United States, and the first time a university has applied for an advanced research reactor.