ML23052A098

News Release-23-007: NRC Opens Hearing Opportunity for Abilene Christian University Research Reactor Construction Permit Application

ML23052A098
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Issue date:	02/01/2023
From:	Office of Public Affairs
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News Release-23-007
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No: 23-007 February 1, 2023 CONTACT: Scott Burnell, 301-415-8200 NRC Opens Hearing Opportunity for Abilene Christian University Research Reactor Construction Permit Application

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has published in the Federal Register a notice of opportunity to intervene in an adjudicatory hearing regarding the Abilene Chri stian Universitys application for a construction permit to build a Molten Salt Research Reactor at a site in Abilene, Texas.

Petitions to intervene in a hearing must be filed no later than April 3, by anyone whose interest may be affected by the proposed issuance of a construction permit and who wishes to participate as a party in the proceeding. More information on the hearing process is available on the NRC website.

The university submitted the application on Aug. 15 and supplemented the application on Oct. 14. The one-megawatt, non-power MSRR would use molten salt coolant with fuel dissolved in the salt. The facility would provide a platform to research molten-salt technology, as well as educational opportunities in nuclear science and engineering. If the NRC issues the construction permit and the facility is built, ACU will have to submit a separate application for an operating license in the future.