Nuclear & Hydrogen Energy Tour Recap
On March 5th, 2025, a group of Texas legislators, energy experts, and industry leaders toured one of Texas’ leading nuclear and hydrogen research facilities. The tour provided a firsthand look at the energy technologies that have the potential to shape the future of energy in Texas. With a private tour of the Nuclear Reactor and Hydrogen Energy Hub at J.J. Pickle Research Campus and discussion on energy policy with tenured industry and academic experts, participants gained important knowledge on the critical role of nuclear and hydrogen in Texas’ energy ecosystem.
The Case for Nuclear Energy in Texas
The tour began with presentations from nuclear researchers at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus, where they discussed the potential benefits and challenges of nuclear energy. The speakers explored how nuclear power could contribute to Texas' energy landscape.
Nuclear power is often considered a reliable energy source capable of operating continuously with minimal disruptions. It also offers a relatively stable fuel cost compared to some fossil fuels. As ERCOT projects that Texas’ energy demand will double in the next decade, nuclear energy is being examined as one option for enhancing energy security while contributing to emissions reduction efforts.
The discussion also included the possibility of repurposing former coal plants into nuclear facilities, which could allow for the retention of a significant portion of the existing workforce with some retraining. Proponents argue that such a transition could support jobs while contributing to a more diversified energy grid.
Developments in Nuclear Development
The federal government has allocated $60 billion toward nuclear technology advancements, including small modular reactors (SMRs). Institutions such as UT Austin, Abilene Christian University, and Texas A&M are conducting research on SMRs and their potential deployment in Texas.
In the private sector, Dow Chemical is working with X-Energy to develop a Pebble Bed Modular Reactor in Seadrift, Texas. If completed as planned in the early 2030s, the reactor would provide energy for industrial applications.
Regulation and Safety
Recent changes to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) permitting process aim to streamline the licensing of nuclear projects. Advanced computational modeling, including work conducted with UT Austin’s Frontera supercomputer, is being used to improve efficiency in regulatory review.
Public concerns regarding radioactive waste and reactor safety remain a key consideration. Ongoing developments in regulatory frameworks and waste management strategies continue to shape discussions about the role of nuclear power in Texas' energy future.
Hydrogen Energy Potential
Following the nuclear discussions and exclusive tour of the active nuclear reactor, the tour transitioned to a focus on hydrogen energy through a visit to the Proto-Hydrogen Hub also located at the J.J. Pickle Research Campus.
Texas is uniquely positioned to become a hydrogen energy powerhouse, producing a third of the nation's hydrogen through its extensive Gulf Coast infrastructure. The Proto-Hydrogen Hub is the largest in the state and has been at the forefront of hydrogen research for nearly two decades.
The tour showcased five key stations demonstrating hydrogen’s end-use applications, from fuel cell power systems for data centers to hydrogen fueling stations for vehicles. With an interconnected hydrogen pipeline network in development, the future of hydrogen in Texas is becoming increasingly tangible.
Policy Recommendations
To support the expansion of nuclear and hydrogen energy, our speakers discussed several key recommendations for policymakers, including:
Providing tax incentives and cost-sharing opportunities to encourage private investment.
Streamlining permitting processes for nuclear reactors and hydrogen infrastructure.
Expanding workforce development programs to address labor shortages in the nuclear sector.
Establishing an agency to oversee the deployment of hydrogen refueling stations across Texas.
Conclusion
The Texas Nuclear and Hydrogen Energy Tour underscored the state’s potential to lead in clean energy innovation. With strategic investments and forward-thinking policies, Texas can harness these technologies to secure its energy future, create high-paying jobs, and solidify its position as a national leader in both nuclear and hydrogen energy.
As these projects move from research to deployment, continued collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions will be crucial. PowerHouse Texas remains committed to facilitating these conversations and driving the state toward a more sustainable and resilient energy economy.